For generations, the Malaysian retirement dream was simple: work until 55 or 60, withdraw a lump sum from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), and live out one’s golden years peacefully. However, this paradigm is being shattered by a silent but powerful threat: longevity risk—the risk of outliving your savings. The Perfect Storm: Rising Life Expectancy and …
If I were to ask you about your financial safety nets, what would you say? For most of us, the answer is almost automatic: “I have an emergency fund” and “I save in ASB or other ASNB fixed price funds”. And you know what? That’s fantastic. Having an emergency fund and investing in ASNB fixed price funds …
You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now you’re facing a financial decision that feels monumental. The money is sitting in your account, and two powerful, competing goals are vying for it. These aren’t simple math problems. They are deeply personal crossroads where logic meets emotion, and short-term desires clash with long-term dreams. The anxiety comes …
When I was renovating my house, I did some research on the cost of house renovation in Malaysia. The cost can vary significantly, depending on the scope of work, materials used, and the location of the property. Below is a general breakdown of house renovation costs. Note that these are approximate estimates and can vary …
We all know we should go for regular medical check-ups. But what about a check-up for something that affects our daily lives just as much—our finances? The thought of reviewing your finances can feel overwhelming. You might picture spreadsheets, stacks of bills, and complicated calculations. But what if you could get a clear, honest snapshot …
Ever submitted a loan application feeling confident, only to have it rejected or approved for a smaller amount than you expected? You’re not alone. Many hardworking Malaysians face this frustrating situation. The reason often boils down to a single, powerful number that banks scrutinize closely: your Debt Service Ratio (DSR). Think of your DSR as your …
Picture this: Your credit card statement arrives. You open it, and that familiar knot of anxiety tightens in your stomach. The “Minimum Payment” seems manageable, but the “Total Outstanding Balance” feels like a mountain you can’t climb. You’re not alone. With living costs on the rise, many Malaysians find themselves relying on credit cards, only …
So, you’ve graduated. Congratulations are in order! You’ve traded lecture halls for office cubicles and are finally earning your own keep. But for many Malaysians, that first payslip comes with a familiar, slightly daunting reminder: your PTPTN loan repayment is about to begin. It’s easy to see this monthly deduction as just another bill. But …
That first real salary after graduation or a major promotion is an incredible milestone. After years of studying and hard work, seeing that significant amount hit your Maybank or CIMB account is a powerful feeling. It’s tempting to immediately reward yourself—that new smartphone, a nicer apartment in KL, or finally upgrading your Perodua. But before …
We’ve all seen it, or maybe even done it ourselves. The brilliant engineer who can solve complex problems but has no retirement plan. The savvy marketing manager who understands consumer psychology but is drowning in credit card debt. The university professor who invests in a “guaranteed” get-rich-quick scheme they heard about from a friend. How …
