08-07-2025
ST Headstart: Having a savings plan for big expenses
Welcome to the latest edition of ST Headstart, bringing you the best of The Straits Times' career, personal finance and lifestyle coverage every Tuesday noon. Sign up here to get weekly tips right into your inbox.
Big expenses like a house, renovations or even a dream vacation may sometimes feel out of reach. But these goals can be more achievable with a clear savings plan, as my colleague Rosalind finds. In her latest Young & Savvy column, she advises being less impulsive with purchases, and explains why doing so does not mean completely cutting back on things that bring you joy.
For cash-strapped first-jobbers, managing finances can be a challenge, and making every dollar count is essential. When you're just starting out and looking to buy insurance, what types should you prioritise? In this Headstart on Record episode, I explore the different types of insurance products and share tips on how to turn away those pushy insurance agents, and help you make informed choices about your coverage.
Speaking of being cash-strapped, Crazy Rich Asians actor Henry Golding did not always have a multi-million dollar net worth. In this interview, he tells me about how he went from teenage barbershop assistant to walking red carpets at Hollywood premieres.
Finally, find out what goes on in a day of the life of a private investigator in Singapore.
Stay hydrated!