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Does UK Or SG Have The Better Personal Finance System For Working Professionals? [Chills 238]

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Ever wondered how life stacks up for working professionals in the UK versus Singapore? From student loans and taxes to housing, healthcare, and retirement — we’re breaking down what financial life really looks like on both sides.

Joining us is Ali Zahar, Founder of LifeSmart Financial Literacy, who flew in from the UK to study how Singaporeans handle money.

Unpack:

  • What everyday financial life feels like for a UK working professional
  • Why some grads start off S$100,000 in debt before even working
  • The real cost of “free healthcare” and what taxes actually buy you
  • How CPF compares to the UK’s system — and which one actually works better
  • The surprising personal story that pushed Ali to start teaching financial literacy through games

Is the grass greener on the other side? Tune in to find out — because this episode might just change how you see your own paycheck.

 

What We Discuss:

  • 03:59 - Why did you get involved in this challenging business despite the risks?
  • 08:31 - How do working professionals in the UK approach starting personal finance?
  • 11:16 - How is the apprenticeship and trade education scene evolving in the UK?
  • 16:33 - Can you explain how the UK student loan system is structured?
  • 21:36 - How is the UK system structured for retirement, housing, and medical savings?
  • 27:37 - What’s your view on the taxes you pay versus the benefits you receive?
  • 34:38 - What is the current state of private healthcare in the UK?

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