Growth function

Voluntary EPF Contributions: Smart Move or Money Trap?

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement savings scheme designed to help employees build a financial cushion for their future. While mandatory contributions are deducted from your salary, you also have the option to make voluntary EPF contributions—but is it worth it? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of voluntary EPF contributions to help …

Can You Retire Early in Malaysia? A Realistic Guide for Malaysians Pursuing FIRE

Dreaming of early retirement? As Malaysians, we’re lucky to live in a country with affordable living costs, making Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) an achievable goal. But how much do you really need? Let’s break it down. 1. Monthly Living Costs for Early Retirement Here’s what you can expect to spend monthly: Expense Budget (RM) Housing …

Why Saving Money Feels So Hard (And How to Make It Easier)

Saving money is a common challenge for many Malaysians. Despite good intentions, people often find themselves living paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling with debt, or unable to build a safety net for the future. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—but the good news is, with the right strategies (and a little professional guidance), you can take control …

Investment Portfolio Construction: No One-Size-Fits-All

Constructing an investment portfolio requires careful planning based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Here’s a structured approach to building a diversified investment portfolio in Malaysia: 1. Define Your Investment Goals 2. Assess Your Risk Tolerance 3. Asset Allocation A well-diversified portfolio in Malaysia may include: A. Equities (Stocks) B. Fixed Income …

EPF Dividend 2024

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) has declared its dividend for 2024. The rate for conventional savings is 6.30% (2023: 5.50%). It is the same (2023: 5.40%) for Simpanan Shariah. This is the first time that both types of accounts having the same dividend rate. This dividend rate is better than what I expected. Dividend history …

10 Common Malaysians’ Financial Planning Mistakes: Avoid All These Mistakes

The most common financial planning mistakes made by Malaysians include: 1. Not Saving Enough or Starting Late Many Malaysians do not save enough for retirement or start saving too late, missing out on the benefits of compounding interest. This is a significant issue as the saving rate has decreased over the years, and fewer people …

Passive Income: Achieving Financial Freedom

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving financial freedom is a goal many aspire to but few achieve. One of the most effective ways to attain this freedom is through passive income. Understanding Passive Income Passive income refers to earnings derived from activities in which the earner is not actively involved. Unlike traditional employment, where income is …