Dollars and Dirhams

How to Make Your Money Work for You

Bad financial decisions can cost you years. The right ones? They can change your life.
In this episode, Adnan Raj, Relationship Manager at Continental, sits down with Kevin Sebastian, Creative Director at Audire Media, to break down money myths, smart investments, and how to stay ahead financially.
Host: Adnan Raj, Relationship Manager at Continental.Guest Speaker - Kevin Sebastian, Creative Director at Audire Media

Breaking Stereotypes with Meeta Gupta

Why are women some of the best investors but still hesitate to take charge of their finances? 
In this episode of Dollars & Dirhams, Meeta Gupta, Founder & CEO of Moolah Literacy, sits down with Sumeet Gill, VP of Investments at Continental, for a no-nonsense talk about:
 ✔️The hidden edge women have in investing ✔️How to bridge the confidence gap in financial decisions ✔️Breaking cultural barriers & changing mindsets ✔️The real impact of financial literacy on women’s lives
This isn’t just a money conversation—it’s a movement. 

The Battle She Didn’t See Coming And the Choices That Saved More Than Her Life

What happens when life throws you into a battle you never imagined?
Deliane's story isn't just about breast cancer; it's about the moments no one prepares you for and how a few critical choices can protect not just your health but also your family, your finances, and your future.
This is more than a story of survival. It's a call to think beyond the 'what ifs' and ensure you're ready, no matter what life brings.
💗 Listen in, feel inspired, and take away lessons that could change how you protect what matters most.
And if you believe stories like this need to be heard, subscribe and ring the bell. We share more human stories that matter.

How Early Financial Planning Pays Off

What happens when a young man lands in Dubai in 1977 with nothing but ambition and ends up redefining an entire industry?
In this heart-to-heart, Andrew Cole (Sales Director at Continental) sits down with Ashok Sardana, the founder of Continental Group, to unpack a story that’s part grit, part vision, and all heart.
🔹Expect more than just business talk. Ashok opens up about the real moments behind the milestones—the early struggles, the family lessons, and the values that still drive him today.
This isn’t just another industry chat. It’s an invitation to reflect, rethink, and get inspired to take control of your own financial story—no matter where you are in the journey.
🎧 Listen in now and tap into decades of lived wisdom from someone who’s walked the talk. And if you enjoy stories that blend business with life lessons, hit subscribe and ring the bell. We’ve got more like this coming.

UAE Corporate Tax Simplified

Corporate tax has been the topic of discussion since its announcement in January 2022. While there are many questions regarding its implementation, why is there a corporate tax in the UAE, and why is it now? Should all organisations start gearing up today for a smooth transition tomorrow? What are the exemptions, incentives, and implications for corporates, free zones, and SMES? How can an organisation reduce its tax liability with incentives?
 
Listen to our guest speaker, Aunali Jaffer Merchant, as he simplifies corporate tax. Aunali Merchant is an expert in core tax with 10 years of experience in the UAE and GCC region. He says corporate tax is often seen negatively, but that is not the case, and he explains why in this podcast of Dollar Dirhams and our two financial cents. 

The Future of Work

Many organisations are still exploring the dynamics of hybrid work from home or work onsite, with most companies favouring the hybrid working model. With this in mind, how are companies coping to keep their employee happiness index high? What are the employees looking for in their job? What corporate culture are employees seeking to be a part of, and why is it so important? What are the more efficient ways to work around budgetary brackets to keep employees happy? Does better medical insurance make a big difference to employees seeing new roles? 
 
Making things more “customer-friendly” and efficient was a key factor that led Ms. Sara Maria Boueri to challenge the status quo, making her a pioneer in the field. Listen to what our guest speaker says about her journey and how she transformed her workplace from the 5th most disengaged organisation to being certified as a “Great Place to Work” in 6 months. Leave a comment, share, and subscribe to our podcast for interesting updates on everything related to financial planning.

The Real Cost of Being an Influencer

Influencers, the stars of the 21st century, inspire us in all walks of life, be it lifestyle, fashion, art, finance or motivation from a six-year-old Diana to Mr Beast on the Global stage, or Khalid Al Ameri to Huda Khatan in the UAE. They have amassed large followings whom they inspire, and brands frequently seek them out to influence their followers positively. The opportunity to work with big brands and make big money has most of us hooked on the idea of cashing in on social media. However, earning a living through social media may not be as simple as it may seem. Is the relationship between brands and influencers mutually beneficial? Do influencers need to manage and plan their finances differently since they are usually paid through barter deals rather than cash? Is this really a long-term career option? Listen to what our guest, Saher I. Mansoor, a mommy influencer on Instagram, has to share about her journey, her challenges, and her views on the future of the social media influencer profession.

How to talk to your teens and kids about money

From starting a piggy bank to sending your kid to college with a credit card, helping kids learn healthy habits around money can take a lot of work and patience. Teaching children to be financially responsible early on will help them cope with challenges like setting limits, planning a budget and resisting impulse buys.
There are many ways to help kids get smart about spending, but how parents have been handling it has not worked for them and their kids. Parents think they know how to educate their kids & teens about money, but mostly they don’t. In this podcast, join our host Anselm Mendes & Marilyn Pinto, a rebel educator and founder of KFI Global, to talk about common mistakes parents have made when talking to their kids & teens about money.

Retire on your term, not just at 65

When should you retire? Should you retire at all? And why on earth should you retire at age 65? If retirement has been a subject weighing on your mind and you can’t seem to separate the facts from the myth, or if you feel you need a better way to think and plan for the later years of your life, understand how to mitigate risks associated with health, income and long-term care. 
This podcast episode is for you! Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation on retirement, between Anselm Mendes, the host of the podcast and Ashok Sardana, Founder and Managing Director of the Continental Group, who has been advising clients ranging from executives to entrepreneurs. Listen in as they explore the various facets of retirement and what you need to do to prepare yourself for what could very well be the best years of your life! 
You can reach out to Ashok Sardana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashok-sardana-47698926/

Building Your Financial Endurance with Rickson Dsouza

Physical endurance training and financial planning are closely linked; both require goal setting, hard work, focus, perseverance, and discipline. As a generation, we often crave instant results, but true success in any area demands time and effort. There are no shortcuts to financial freedom; achieving your goals requires consistent daily work.
Though reaching your final goal can seem overwhelming, the guidance of a financial advisor or coach can make it attainable. In today’s episode, we speak with Rickson Dsouza, a financial advisor, triathlete, and ultra-runner. His personal fitness journey exemplifies endurance, and he shares valuable insights on wealth management with a long-term perspective.
With experience as a life insurance expert for high-net-worth individuals, including entrepreneurs and executives, Rickson has witnessed the traits shared by both athletes and successful investors. If you would like to connect with him, you can reach out at rickson.dsouza@cfsgroup.com