The Debt Trap: High Costs and Poor Planning Are Hurting Malaysians (Your 5-Step Solution)
Hello financially-savvy readers! We recently saw a stark, yet crucial, reminder from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) about the financial pressures facing many Malaysians. According to data from the Credit Counselling and Management Agency (AKPK), the top two reasons why people struggle to repay their debts or seek credit counseling are: High Cost of Living […]
Navigating a Divergent Global Economy: What It Means for Your Portfolio
In the world of investing, we often hear about the global economy as if it’s a single, unified thing. You might hear headlines that the “global economy is slowing” or “global growth is picking up.” But if you’ve been paying attention lately, you’ll notice something a little different. It’s less like a single engine and […]
A Battle I Never Planned to Fight, and the Lessons I Learned
How do I even begin to tell this story? The moment I try to go back, a wave of pain and agony washes over me. About a year and a half ago, in April 2024, just before the holy month of Syawal, I was home, battling a painful period and a relentless cough in my […]
Beyond the Degree: Insuring Your Career Journey in the Malaysian Gig Economy
You’ve graduated from the traditional 9-to-5 mindset. You’re a Malaysian gig worker—a visionary freelancer, a dedicated e-hailing driver, a passionate online business owner. Your choice of freedom and flexibility is shared by a growing number of Malaysians, with over 3 million individuals now part of the gig economy. But here’s a sobering statistic: The majority […]
A Wake-Up Call: The True Cost of Waiting for Healthcare in Malaysia
I often look at countries like Germany and wonder how they do it. Their income tax is very high (as high as 45%), and yet by law, health insurance is compulsory for everyone. It’s a system built on collective responsibility, ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. But here in Malaysia, things are […]
A Guide to Defining Your “Enough”
A note to our reader: This guide is for those who have a solid foundation in managing their finances and have their basic needs met. If you are currently working towards financial stability and security, your focus should be on building that foundation first. We are here to support you in that journey, and this […]
Smart Tax Reliefs for Malaysian Professionals: A Guide Beyond Basic Donations
As a busy professional in Malaysia, you’re likely familiar with the basic tax reliefs for things like children’s school fees or charitable donations. But when it comes to maximizing your financial position, simply being aware of the basics isn’t enough. This guide is for those who are ready to move beyond the fundamentals. It’s a […]
Financial Planning For Couples: The “Yours, Mine, and Ours” Approach to Money
So you’ve had the tough money conversation—you’ve talked about your values, your fears, and your goals. That’s a huge step. But now comes the practical part: how do you actually manage the money on a day-to-day basis? This is where a lot of couples get stuck. The old-school method of putting everything in one joint […]
When Friends Are at Different Financial Levels: How to Navigate Money in Social Circles
Let’s get real for a moment. You’re out with your closest friends, laughing, catching up, and having a great time. Then, the bill arrives. Your heart sinks a little as the group discusses splitting the total, which is far more than you expected. You feel a familiar, uncomfortable guilt, wondering if you should have just […]
Tackling Tough Conversations: How to Talk to Your Partner About Money
Hey there. Listen up for a minute. This is a topic that can feel really awkward, but it’s probably one of the most important things you’ll ever discuss with your partner. I’m talking about money. I know, I know. It’s not romantic, and it’s definitely not as fun as talking about where to travel next. […]