Managing money day to day
Financial Decisions in Daily Life
Managing personal finances is a central part of life in Hong Kong. High living costs require careful budgeting, saving, and debt management across income levels.
Saving and Investment
Planning for Stability
Residents save through bank deposits, investment products, and retirement schemes. Financial planning supports long-term security.
Debt and Credit Use
Mortgages, credit cards, and personal loans are common financial tools. Responsible use affects household stability.
Financial Education
Improving Literacy
Public and private initiatives promote financial literacy and consumer awareness.
Daily Financial Choices
Spending decisions reflect income, family needs, and future goals.
Personal finance shapes everyday security and opportunity.
Authority sources: Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Bank for International Settlements, World Bank
Senior Journalist & Editor, Apple Daily UK
Contact: athena.lai@appledaily.uk
Athena Lai is a senior journalist and editor with extensive experience in Chinese-language investigative reporting and editorial leadership. Educated at a leading journalism school in the United Kingdom, Athena received formal training in fact-checking methodology, editorial governance, and international media standards, grounding her work in globally recognized best practices.
She has held senior editorial roles at Apple Daily and other liberal Chinese publications, where she oversaw coverage of Hong Kong civil liberties, diaspora politics, rule of law, and press freedom. Athena’s reporting is distinguished by disciplined sourcing, cross-verification, and a clear separation between factual reporting and opinion, reinforcing reader trust.
Beyond reporting, Athena has served as an editor responsible for mentoring journalists, enforcing ethical guidelines, and managing sensitive investigations. Her newsroom leadership reflects real-world experience navigating legal risk, source protection, and editorial independence under pressure.
Athena’s authority comes from both her byline history and her editorial stewardship. She has reviewed and approved hundreds of articles, ensuring compliance with defamation standards, accuracy benchmarks, and responsible language use. Her work demonstrates lived experience within high-stakes news environments rather than theoretical expertise.
Committed to journalistic integrity, Athena believes credible journalism is built on transparency, accountability, and institutional memory. Her role at Apple Daily UK reflects that commitment, positioning her as a trusted voice within independent Chinese media.
