Since 2021, @whitefinance has been openly documenting her journey toward financial independence from dividend investing and ASNB to exploring the US market, taking on side hustles, and balancing life as a project manager.
In this interview, we explore her money philosophy, the systems behind her impressive net worth growth, and how she’s building a life defined by intention, options, and financial stability.
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1. To start off, could you introduce yourself to readers and share what first prompted you to begin your personal finance journey?
This is White Finance. I tapped into personal finance during Covid where I started to learn about dividend investing as well as long term investment.
I didn’t grow up with much financial literacy. My turning point is when I started to realise the compounding effect with my investment and got very interested in the FIRE movement.
I’m working towards that and in just 6 years, my net worth has increased by 500%!
I started this account because I think many Malaysians lack financial literacy and hence, I wish to share some real life experiences to grow together with the community!
2. What made you decide to start investing, and what did those very first investments look like?
I started small by buying dividend stocks in Bursa Malaysia, then slowly ventured into the US market.
I also learnt options trading, explored other options in Malaysia like ASNB, etc.
3. Could you share how you currently earn your income, through your career, business, and side hustles? And how each of these plays a role in your financial journey?
My main income is working full-time as a project manager in the IT industry.
I also have a side job as a Virtual Assistant at an international e-commerce company.
Other streams of income include dividends, interests, capital gain.
4. You’ve tested different side hustles over the years. Which ones worked out, which didn’t, and what did you take away from that process?
Haha yes, I really tested A LOT of side hustles and I am still exploring!
I think what works for me is the current VA job because it is giving me consistent monthly income.
I would say what didn’t work was private tutoring and odd jobs during US timezones.
At the end of the day, it depends on what you want and if you enjoy the work or not.
The most important thing for me is the opportunity to increase my active income!
5. What would you say is your core investing philosophy or personal “money rules”?
- Spending less than I earn.
- I only buy things that create value.
- If the price is high but the ROI is gonna be high, I would still buy it. This includes investment courses, my latest MBA journey (I have just completed last month!) or any books that are going to help, as well as any supplement or food that is going to nourish my soul and maintain my health.
- I am also practising the ‘1 in and 1 out’ concept, where I only buy when I have to get rid of one item. This helps to keep my wardrobe, kitchen and house at a manageable level.
6. How has your investing approach changed over time, and were there any mistakes that pushed you to refine your strategy?
As mentioned, I tried Bursa and the US market, as well as options trading, but now I am leaning towards long term investment.
I stopped trading because the 12-hour timezone difference and the constant need to monitor the market just weren’t sustainable for me.
I may trade again in the future once I achieve FIRE, but who knows? Definitely not now at the current stage of my life.
7. You’re currently holding a large emergency fund and investing part of your portfolio into US & China stocks, ASNB, MY Stocks and Crypto. Why did you choose this mix, and how do you think about risk?
Diversification gives me peace of mind.
• Emergency fund protects me during uncertainty.
• US & China equities for long-term global growth exposure.
• ASNB + MY stocks for familiarity and stability.
• Crypto is my high-risk, high-reward bucket – small but exciting.
8. What are your current financial goals, and how do they tie into your bigger life goals?
I want to achieve financial freedom—not to stop working, but to have the choice to walk away from anything that doesn’t align with me.
My long-term goals include growing my investment income large enough to support my lifestyle, funding future family plans, and being able to travel without guilt.
Money for me is not about luxury but it’s about options, safety, and the ability to live life intentionally.
9. From your perspective, what unique challenges or lessons come with managing finances as a married couple? Can you share a bit about your own experience?
Finances in marriage are teamwork, not comparison.
We learned to communicate openly about spending habits, expectations, and long-term goals.
Our biggest lesson was we started with debt and low income, so alignment and improvement took patience.
We budget together, review investments together, and celebrate milestones together.
10. I also noticed you love to travel! How do you balance saving and investing with spending on those experiences?
I always look for value when I travel!
Yes, you are right; I balance spending on experiences. I am okay with spending money on activities like the recent bungy jump and skydiving I did in New Zealand, and amazing food around the world.
I also believe that taking time off yearly is essential to actually help me to feel alive haha.
Not to mention, travelling also motivates me to find opportunities to increase my active income!
11. What does the future of White Finance look like? Do you see yourself growing more as a content creator, investor, or both?
I see White Finance growing into a community that empowers more Malaysians to manage money with confidence.
I want to create more content, digital products, maybe even courses, 1-1 consulting, while continuing to invest and share real results over time.
12. Lastly, what advice would you give to Malaysians who are just starting their journey in personal finance and investing?
Start small, but start now.
Aim to be consistent. Stop scrolling online for useless content and start learning with Youtube or any source that works for you!
Learn, track, invest, and be patient with yourself.
Your future self will thank you.
Final Thoughts
A huge thank you to @whitefinance for sharing her story and showing how she built her financial foundation through consistent habits — maintaining a strong emergency fund, refining her investment strategy, and balancing her career, side hustles, and travels without losing sight of her long-term goals.
Her journey is a reminder that personal finance isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about building a system that supports your life, your values, and your future.
Here are three takeaways we loved from this interview:
- Your financial journey doesn’t need to be complicated. A clear strategy and steady habits can take you further than you think.
- It’s okay to pivot. The willingness to try, fail, and refine is what builds true financial confidence.
- Balance matters. You can invest for tomorrow and still spend meaningfully on the things that bring joy today — like travel, experiences, and growth.
Follow her journey on Instagram @whitefinance for practical insights, investing reflections, and a grounded approach to building wealth in Malaysia.
