Let’s get one thing straight — saving money isn’t about skipping your daily kopi or living like a monk. It’s about getting smart with your cash, especially when you don’t have a lot of it to begin with.
Here’s a straight-talking guide that works whether you’re earning RM1,500 or RM15,000.
1. Track Every Ringgit
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Most people have no idea where their money goes — they just know it disappears by mid-month.
Action: Use a free app like Money Manager or Spendee, or just Google Sheets. Track everything you spend for 30 days. Yes, even the RM3 teh tarik.
Why it matters: You’ll spot leaks immediately — like the RM200 you didn’t realize you’re blowing on Grab or Shopee.
2. Pay Yourself First
Most people save whatever’s left after spending. That’s backward.
Flip it: As soon as you get paid, stash a fixed % (start with just 10%) into a separate savings account. Pretend that money never existed.
Use automation: Most banks let you auto-transfer monthly. Set it once, forget it, and let the savings grow.
3. Differentiate Between Wants & Needs
Yes, this sounds obvious — but most people suck at it. Need a phone? Sure. Need the latest iPhone every year? That’s a want wrapped in ego.
Try this: When tempted to buy, ask:
“Will this matter in 6 months?”
If not, leave it.
4. Use the 24-Hour Rule
Impulse buying is a silent killer. You want it. You buy it. You regret it.
Instead: Wait 24 hours before buying anything above RM100. You’ll be shocked how often the urge disappears.
5. Kill Useless Subscriptions
Netflix, Spotify, iCloud, gym, insurance you don’t understand — they add up.
Do an audit: Go through your bank statement. Cancel anything you don’t use weekly. Be ruthless.
6. Downsize Without Shame
If you're overspending on rent, car, or lifestyle just to “look successful” — stop. Impressing people is expensive and exhausting.
Move: Share a room, downgrade your car, eat at home. The ones who laugh at you now won’t be laughing when you’re financially free.
7. Get a Side Hustle
You can only cut so much. At some point, you need to increase income.
Sell something, freelance, drive Grab, start a small biz — do whatever it takes to earn extra cash and save that money, not spend it.
8. Set a Target, Not Just "Save"
“Saving money” is vague. Be specific.
Examples:
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RM5,000 emergency fund in 6 months
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RM1,000 for Bali trip in 4 months
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RM30,000 for house deposit in 2 years
Having a goal makes saving a mission — not a chore.
9. Avoid Debt Like the Plague
Credit card debt, personal loans, buy-now-pay-later — it’s a trap. You're spending money you don’t have, with interest.
Only borrow for things that can grow your income — like a business tool or education. Otherwise, cash is king.
10. Don’t Wait Till It’s “Perfect”
Too many people wait until they “earn more” to start saving. Truth is, if you can’t save when you earn RM2,000, you won’t save at RM10,000 either.
Start small. Stay consistent. Build the habit. The amount doesn’t matter — the discipline does.
Final Thought:
Saving money isn’t about deprivation — it’s about control. Every Ringgit saved is one step closer to freedom, not survival. The earlier you take it seriously, the faster you get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck trap.
Want a downloadable budget tracker or savings challenge PDF for free? Drop a comment below or message me.
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