Saving money doesn’t mean you have to survive on instant noodles, ghost your friends every time they suggest makan outside, or reuse tea bags until they beg for mercy.
It’s about making smarter choices so your money sticks around longer instead of vanishing into the abyss of overpriced coffee and impulse buys.
Let’s dive into some tips that are painfully obvious, slightly funny, but actually work!
Use the My50 Travel Pass if You Commute
If your daily commute involves MRT, LRT, Monorail, or RapidKL buses, the My50 pass (RM50/month) is a game-changer. It offers unlimited rides, making it significantly cheaper than paying per trip.
For example, if you take the MRT to work and back five days a week, that’s easily RM6–RM10 per day.
Over a month, that’s RM120–RM200 in transport costs—so the My50 pass saves you a lot of money!
Check out the My50 Travel Pass here!
Stay Single (If You’re Not Ready for the Costs of a Relationship)
Relationships are great, but let’s be real—dates, gifts, anniversaries, and spontaneous getaways all cost money.
If you’re financially unstable or still building your savings, staying single might give you the breathing room to focus on your financial goals.
That RM300 romantic dinner could be a month’s worth of groceries.
Cut Unnecessary Grab Spending
A RM12 Grab ride might not seem like much, but it adds up quickly—especially when you compare it to public transport (RM1–RM4 per ride).
If you take Grab five times a week, you could be spending RM240–RM300 per month just on rides.
Instead, take public transport whenever possible or carpool with friends.
If you really need a ride, try GrabShare or schedule rides during off-peak hours when fares are lower.
Learn to Enjoy Having Money Instead of Buying Stuff
Many people get a dopamine rush from shopping, but a week later, that “must-have” item is collecting dust.
Instead of focusing on buying, focus on the freedom money gives you.
Imagine the feeling of having an emergency fund or the ability to say yes to a last-minute travel opportunity because you saved instead of spending on impulse buys.
Avoid Buying a New Expensive Car—Stick to What You Can Afford
Malaysians love cars, but they’re also one of the biggest financial traps.
Instead of a flashy new car with a 9-year loan, get something practical.
A Perodua Axia (RM25k–RM40k) does the job without breaking the bank.
If you earn RM3,000/month, don’t get a car that costs more than RM36,000 (1 year’s salary).
If your Grab/LRT/MRT expenses exceed the cost of owning a car, then it’s time to reconsider.
Never Buy a Car More Than One Year’s Salary
If you earn RM3,000/month, your car should cost no more than RM36,000.
Many people stretch their finances too thin buying luxury cars they can’t afford.
Don’t Go Out Unless You Need to Buy Something
Every time you step into a mall, you risk spending money on things you don’t need.
If you’re bored, find free activities like hiking, walking in parks, going to a public library, or having a chill day at home instead.
Smartphone Buying Hacks
Always compare Shopee/Lazada prices—Retail stores charge a premium, while online sellers offer discounts.
Wait for the next model to release—Mainstream brands like Samsung, Oppo, and Vivo drop in price by 30%–50% once a newer model comes out. Example: A Samsung phone that costs RM3,000 today might be RM1,500 a year later.
Buy second-hand if possible—If you don’t mind a pre-owned phone, you can save hundreds or even thousands.
Cook Extra for Dinner, Eat Leftovers for Lunch
A meal at a food court or mamak costs RM8–RM15, but a home-cooked meal could be RM4–RM7 per serving.
Cooking extra for dinner means you have lunch ready the next day, cutting daily food expenses in half.
Skip Fancy Coffee Shops—Opt for Mamak or DIY Drinks
A Starbucks latte costs RM15–RM20, while a Teh Tarik at a mamak is RM2–RM4.
Over a month, skipping fancy cafes could save you RM300–RM400.
Making your own coffee at home? Even cheaper.
Quit Smoking or Vape (If You Haven’t Already)
Cigarettes cost RM17–RM20 per pack.
If you smoke a pack every two days, that’s RM300/month.
Quit smoking, and that money could go toward an emergency fund or even a budget trip to Thailand.
Meal Prep for the Week
Planning your meals for the week helps you avoid last-minute takeout.
A big grocery shop with RM100–RM150 can feed you for a week, compared to RM15–RM20 per meal from food delivery.
Calculate RM/Liter for Everyday Items
When buying shampoo, dish soap, milk, or even cooking oil, check the cost per liter or per gram.
The bigger bottle might look expensive, but it’s usually cheaper in the long run.
Buy Experiences, Not Material Goods
That RM1,000 spent on the latest gadget might make you happy for a while, but RM1,000 spent on a solo trip to Japan or a diving experience in Sabah?
Memories that last forever.
Avoid FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Just because everyone is buying something doesn’t mean you need to.
Brands use FOMO to get you to spend unnecessarily—whether it’s limited-time sales, “must-have” trends, or new gadgets.
Leave Items in Your Online Cart for 7–14 Days Before Buying
Impulse shopping is dangerous.
If you wait a week before checking out, chances are you’ll realize you didn’t need most of those things.
Save Money Where It’s Hard to Withdraw
If your savings are easily accessible, you’ll be tempted to spend them.
Putting money into ASB, StashAway or Wahed makes it slightly harder to withdraw, reducing impulse withdrawals.
Don’t Get a Credit Card if You Have Poor Spending Habits
If you tend to overspend, a credit card will make things worse.
Spending RM1,000 with a credit card feels painless until you realize you’re paying interest on top of it.
If you must have one, use it responsibly—always pay in full.
Compare Prices—You’d Be Surprised at the Savings
Before buying anything, check prices across different stores and apps (Shopee, Lazada, AEON, Lotus’s, Mr. DIY).
You can sometimes save 10%–30% just by shopping around.
Buy Solid Soap Instead of Liquid Soap
Liquid soap costs more and is designed to make you use more.
A bar of soap lasts longer and costs a fraction of the price.
Avoid ‘Buy 1 Free 1’ Promotions Unless You Really Need It
These deals are designed to make you spend extra.
Unless you were already planning to buy two items, skip the promo.
Have a Savings Goal (e.g., a Vacation or House Downpayment)
It’s easier to skip Starbucks daily if you know that money is going toward a Bali trip or your future home.
Use a Budgeting App
Tracking your spending helps you understand where your money is going.
Apps like YNAB, Spendee, or even a simple Excel sheet can help.
The MAE app automatically tracks your spending whenever you make payments with Maybank!
Sell Stuff You No Longer Use
Every few months, declutter and sell things you no longer need (old gadgets, clothes, books).
That RM500 from selling old stuff could go into savings.
Carousell and Facebook Marketplace are great platforms to sell your unused items, but be sure to stay vigilant against online scams!
Buy Second-Hand Whenever Possible
Second-hand doesn’t mean low quality.
A used Kindle can cost RM200 instead of RM800 new.
Same goes for furniture, cameras, and even cars.
Conclusion
Being smart with money isn’t about being cheap—it’s about making sure your spending aligns with what truly makes you happy.
Every ringgit saved is a step closer to financial freedom! 🚀
