[Post 323] Homeowners in Singapore turning to renovation apps to save on costs

Summary

Renovation apps are gaining traction in Singapore, after struggling to get a foothold in the industry three years ago. Homeowners are using them to cut some middlemen's fees and save on renovation costs, which have climbed about 20%. For example, web app Homeez said it's seeing at least 200 new users every week. Homeowners can select a pre-loaded floor plan, decide their tiles and paints, and contact those suppliers directly or hire a project manager. As labour and material costs rise, industry players said renovation works may get more expensive this year. Rebecca Metteo reports.

[Post 322] Reinventing Myself At 55: From Commando To Interior Designer To Miniature Artist | I Taught Myself

Summary

Meet Wilfred, a former interior designer turned miniature artist. He had built his interior design career after spending 9 years in the military. Then at 55, he made the bold choice to become a full-time artist, making intricate miniatures of old Singapore scenes from recycled materials. Since then, his work has caught the attention of clients big and small. His story is a testament to resilience, creativity and never giving up.

[Post 321] Should I Spend On Food Or Save? How Gen Z Is Budgeting In Bangkok | Money Mind | Thailand

Summary

19-year-old Film has moved to Bangkok for a better life. But will she be able to make ends meet in Thailand's biggest city?

[Post 320] Buying A Home? Choosing Loan Rates & If You Should Pay Down Your Loans Early | Money Mind | Property

Summary

How to save money on your mortgage in a time of interest rate uncertainty. Should you pay off your loan, or use the money to invest?

[Post 319] We Make $227K A Year - And Budget $19K A Month

Summary 

Jenna Bhaloo, 30, lives in Chicago, Illinois with her husband Neil. The couple earns around $227,000 a year, and are working towards a $2.5 million net worth. Jenna and Neil's income comes from a combination of Jenna's work as a senior financial analyst and Neil's job in tech.

This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

What takes a big bite out of a young person's paycheque every month? A new Money Mind survey discovers the one major expense for young working adults across Southeast Asia: investments.

[Post 318] How China Became KFC’s Most Important Market

Summary

KFC, with 29,000 stores and 800,000 employees globally, is one of the world’s most extensive fast-food chains, opening a new location every three and a half hours. While it originated in Salt Lake City in 1952, its rapid expansion is now significantly fueled by its presence in China, opening its 10,000th store in comparison to its over 4,300 locations in the United States. KFC China, operated by Yum China, has adapted its menu to include local favorites and has embraced digital ordering and delivery.  Despite its success, KFC China has faced challenges like food safety scandals and the economic impacts of Covid. In 2022, Yum China reported $7.2 billion in revenue from KFC, with plans to return $3 billion to shareholders over three years. CNBC got an exclusive interview with Yum China CEO Joey Wat at a KFC in Hangzhou, China to learn more.

[Post 317] This Singaporean sneakerhead shows us his collection of rare Nike Air shoes and more

Summary

A pair of Nike Air Force 1s at the age of 16 kicked off Dexter Tan’s lifelong passion for sneakers. The co-founder of the Sole Superior sneaker convention shows us his rare kicks and offers tips on collecting and taking care of them.