You hit payday. You feel unstoppable. Then, you blink, and suddenly, your money’s gone.
A little Shopee here, a latte there, maybe a quick “treat myself” because you’ve had a rough week.
Welcome to your 20s – where financial responsibility and impulsive spending are in a constant toxic relationship.
Here’s how to finally break up with broke and start building real money habits.
1. Make a rule that actually fits your life
Forget the picture-perfect 50/30/20 rule you saw on TikTok.
Some months, you’ll save less, and that’s fine. What matters is consistency.
Start with 10% of your income, and increase it when you can.
The goal isn’t to be rich overnight, it’s to stop living paycheck to paycheck.
2. Set it and forget it
Saving at the end of the month never works because there’s nothing left. (Yes we know the truth, and you do too)
Set an auto-transfer to a “no-touch” savings account right after payday.
Treat it like a non-negotiable bill.
You’ll learn to live with what’s left, and your future self will quietly thank you.
3. Let your money grow safely
If your cash is just sitting in a low-interest account, it’s basically shrinking.
Move it to fixed deposits, high-yield accounts, or money market funds through platforms like Versa, TNG GO+, or StashAway Simple.
It’s slow and steady but totally better than nothing.
4. Invest, even if it’s just RM10
Think of investing like a relationship, start small, stay consistent, and don’t fall for flashy promises.
Play it safe with ASB, Amanah Saham, PRS (Private Retirement Scheme), or top up your KWSP if you’re not contributing already.
If you’re curious about riskier stuff, try robo-advisors (Wahed, StashAway, Raiz) or crypto – just remember, it’s a rollercoaster, not a retirement plan.
Quick note: Not all funds are shariah complaint, so please do your own due diligence if you’re a Muslim.
5. Have a “life happens” fund
Emergency funds aren’t just for grown-ups with mortgages.
They’re for you too. because sometimes your car breaks down, your pet gets sick, or your laptop decides to die mid-Zoom call.
Aim for 3 to 6 months of expenses in a separate account.
It’s your financial safety net and NOT YOUR “BALI TRIP FUND”
6. Credit cards = tool, not trap
Used wisely, credit cards can earn you cashback, points, and even build your credit score.
Used badly, they can ruin your peace of mind.
Rule of thumb: pay in full every month and treat your limit like it’s borrowed money from your future self.
7. Know where your money disappears
You don’t need to track every ringgit, but you should know where it’s going.
Apps like Spendee or Money Lover can show you that your “little treats” add up faster than you think.
8. Protect your wallet from plot twists
Adulting hack: get basic health or medical insurance before life decides to test you.
Hospital bills can wipe out years of savings faster than a flash sale.
Even a simple plan gives you security and lets you sleep at night knowing you’re covered.
9. Make money talk part of your feed
Personal finance isn’t boring anymore – you just need the right creators.
Follow local money educators and get some reads in – which is exactly what you’re doing right now.
10. Treat yourself – with intention
Saving smart doesn’t mean cutting off joy. Budget for fun things – brunches, skincare, or short getaways.
When you plan your “treats,” you enjoy them guilt-free and still stay on track.
Slay, Save, Repeat
Here’s the thing – we love a little self-spoil session. You’ve worked hard, you deserve it.
But the real flex? Knowing when to say, “Not today, PayLater.”
Balance is the ultimate adulting skill. So slay your 20s, chase your dreams, but also save that bag.
Future you will thank present you, hopefully from a beach, with zero debt, a fully paid car and a drink in hand.