Since March 2024, @aytim_askyoutoinvestmore has been quietly inspiring Malaysians to start investing through simple, consistent action. A full-time employee with a long-term mindset, he shares monthly portfolio updates as a way to stay accountable and show others that wealth-building doesn’t require a high income or complicated strategy.
With over RM500K in market value across the US, Singapore, and Malaysian markets, his portfolio is built on dependable assets like dividend-paying banks, REITs, and ETFs such as SCHG. His steady approach to investing involves buying cash-generating assets, avoiding speculation, and focusing on financial independence.
In this interview, we explore how he got started, the lessons learned from past mistakes, and how he’s building toward a future of freedom, one dividend at a time.
1. Hi! For those who don’t know you yet—could you briefly introduce yourself and what prompted you to start your personal finance journey?
Hi! I’m just a normal person working a regular 9-to-5 job.
I started my personal finance journey because I believe that being financially responsible, even with an average income, can make a big difference in the long run.
I’ve always wanted to have more control over my time and choices in life, and I realized that managing my money well and investing consistently could help me achieve that freedom.
2. What made you take that first step into investing, and how did you begin (first stock, platform, or moment)?
I bought my first stock, AirAsia, back in 2015 after I started working. At that time, I didn’t really know what I was doing and ended up stopping for a while.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got back into investing, starting with the Malaysian market. Then I discovered the US market and went in full swing. I started with individual stocks but made poor decisions, and the results weren’t good.
Eventually, I came across index funds and the concept of getting rich slowly, which resonated with me much more.
Since then, I’ve focused on that approach, and it has helped me worry less and sleep better—even when the market tanks.
3. How would you describe your investing philosophy or money rules?
My philosophy is simple: improve my income, spend less than what I earn, and invest the rest into cash-generating assets like dividend stocks and REITs.
I aim for consistent, long-term growth rather than quick gains.
4. How has your strategy evolved over time—were there any key mistakes or lessons that shaped the way you invest today?
In the past, I chased hype and short-term price movements without a clear plan. For example, I bought into ARK ETFs when they were popular, just because everyone was talking about them. It didn’t go well.
I was investing in things I didn’t fully understand and selling out when things turned bad. Over time, I learned the value of having a proper strategy and sticking to assets that align with my goals.
That’s why I now focus on ETFs and stable, dividend-paying stocks that I can hold long term.
5. What inspired you to launch the AYTIM Instagram account, and why did you decide to share your monthly portfolio updates publicly?
I started AYTIM to encourage my partner to start investing with me.
I thought documenting my own journey might help spark interest and create accountability.
While it didn’t really work out the way I planned, I’ve continued sharing to stay consistent with my own financial habits and progress tracking.
6. Your portfolio spans the US, Singapore, and Malaysia markets. Why these three, and how did you decide to focus on banks, REITs, and SCHG?
Each market plays a different role in my portfolio.
I invest in the US mainly for growth, especially through SCHG, which focuses on large-cap growth companies. That’s why the majority of my portfolio is still in the US market.
For Malaysia and Singapore, I focus on dividend-paying assets like banks and REITs. These are familiar, stable, and tax-friendly since there’s no dividend withholding tax.
In the future, I plan to gradually shift more of my portfolio toward dividend income as my priorities evolve.
7. You invest consistently into cash-generating assets. How do you stay disciplined with this strategy, especially during uncertain markets?
I’ve learned that the key is to invest in companies and funds that I genuinely believe in.
I trust that good companies will survive tough times, and I believe in index funds because the overall market always recovers eventually.
In the past, I would panic and sell during downturns, but now I’ve trained myself to overcome that fear. I know my portfolio value will always fluctuate, and that’s normal.
What matters is staying invested and focusing on the long-term picture.
8. What are your personal financial goals—and how do they tie into your bigger life goals like freedom or flexibility?
Right now, my goal is to accumulate wealth as fast as possible while still managing risk.
I want to reach a point where I have the freedom to make life choices without being tied down by money.
Whether it’s taking a break, changing jobs, or pursuing something meaningful, financial independence gives me the option to decide without stress.
9. How do you balance personal finance, content creation, and your full-time job? Any systems or habits that help?
I’ve made my investment process hassle-free and low maintenance. I automate my contributions and avoid constantly monitoring the market.
At the end of each month, I do a financial review and update my portfolio, which is also when I post on AYTIM.
It’s a simple monthly routine that helps me stay consistent without overwhelming myself.
10. What advice would you give to Malaysians just starting their investing journey and feeling unsure or overwhelmed?
Don’t wait until you’ve saved RM100,000 or hit some big milestone.
Start now, even if it’s just a small amount.
Allocate a portion of your income every month and invest consistently.
Focus on understanding what you’re buying, and build the habit early.
Slow and steady wins the race—getting rich steadily and safely is more powerful than chasing fast gains without a plan.
Final Thoughts
A big thank you to @aytim_askyoutoinvestmore for taking the time to share his journey with us. His quiet, consistent approach to investing is a refreshing reminder that you don’t need flashy gains or risky moves to build wealth. You just need a plan, discipline, and the patience to stick with it.
For anyone working a 9-to-5 and wondering if it’s possible to grow a meaningful portfolio, AYTIM’s story proves that it is. By focusing on cash-generating assets, staying transparent, and keeping things simple, he shows that slow and steady really can lead to six-figure success.
Here are three takeaways we loved from this interview:
- You don’t need to invest big. Just invest consistently.
- Pick assets you understand and can hold for the long term.
- Sharing your journey can keep you accountable and inspire others.
Follow his journey on Instagram @aytim_askyoutoinvestmore for monthly portfolio updates, investing insights, and grounded reminders to stay the course.
