Breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle

You work hard, you get paid and yet somehow the money evaporates before the month does. Sound familiar? Nearly 40 per cent of Singaporeans live paycheck to paycheck, and many rank saving for travel higher than saving for retirement. Nothing wrong with wanderlust, but it’s hardly a plan.

In this week’s Money Hacks from The Business Times, host Howie Lim speaks with Benjamin Tan, chief investment officer at Chocolate Finance, about how to break out of the cycle without becoming a joyless spreadsheet addict.

Why listen 

Tan unpacks the small, sustainable habits that actually work:

• Automate your savings: What if discipline isn’t the answer but design is? The less you think about saving, the more likely it actually happens.

• Stop the money leaks: It’s not the big spends that sink you, it’s the quiet invisible ones like the 25 per cent “reward points” you pay for on your credit card.

• Rethink the rulebook: There’s a formula that balances living well now with sleeping soundly later. It’s simpler than you think and yes, it involves percentages.

• Gamify your goals: Turns out tracking your financial wins can be just as satisfying as keeping that Wordle streak alive. He tells us how.

He also rebrands retirement as a subscription to your future self, it’s an interesting idea to muse.

If your payslip feels like an optical illusion this episode is your reminder to stop surviving and start compounding. Listen now.

Share your feedback or suggest ideas for future episodes by reaching out via email at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

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Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)

With Benjamin Tan, chief investment officer, Chocolate Finance

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

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