Over the years, my relationship with money has evolved—from saving my allowance in a biscuit tin to investing in the S&P 500 and building a net worth tracker I obsessively update every month.
If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m all about building a sustainable, independent life—ideally with a cat in a city apartment, some museum hopping, and financial peace of mind.
Here are 10 personal money rules I live by—shaped by real experiences like buying my Perodua Axia, testing platforms like Luno and Wahed, and navigating adult life in Malaysia.
1. Invest First, Spend What’s Left
“Pay yourself first” isn’t just a saying—it’s a lifestyle.
This is my #1 rule for a reason.
Before I pay bills, buy groceries, or treat myself to a nice meal, I make sure I’ve already set aside money for my future. This habit has completely changed the way I see money.
Instead of saving what’s left after spending, I spend what’s left after investing—and that small shift makes all the difference.
Right now, my long-term portfolio is 85% in VOO (the S&P 500 ETF), and 15% in Bitcoin, which I hold on Luno. These aren’t flashy or “get-rich-quick” investments—they’re long-term plays I believe in and feel confident sticking to.
Once that money is out of sight, I don’t feel guilty spending the rest. Whether it’s RM15 for a matcha latte or RM150 for new work shoes, I know my goals are already funded.
No more second-guessing every ringgit spent, no more guilt-tripping myself about not “saving enough”—because I already did.
2. Only Buy What You Can Save for First
If I can’t save at least 25% of it first, I probably shouldn’t buy it yet.
This rule keeps me grounded when it comes to big purchases. Whether it’s a car, a new laptop, or even a high-ticket course, I don’t buy it unless I can commit to saving a good chunk of the cost upfront—usually 25% or more.
If I can’t do that, it means I either can’t afford it yet, or I need more time to evaluate if it’s really worth it.
This mindset helped me buy my car—a 2023 Perodua Axia—without the stress that often comes with car ownership. I spent 3 years saving consistently for the down payment while also learning about loans, insurance, and hidden costs most people overlook.
By the time I took the plunge, I had the discipline, the financial cushion, and the confidence to commit to a 7-year loan.
This rule isn’t about depriving myself—it’s about buying freedom. When I choose to wait, save, and prepare, I enjoy what I buy so much more.
No guilt, no stress, just the satisfaction of knowing I did it the smart way.
3. No Cap on Courses or Books
I don’t limit myself when it comes to investing in me.
Some people set a monthly budget for books or courses—I don’t. If it expands my skills, shifts my mindset, or improves my income potential, I see it as an investment, not an expense.
Whether it’s a Python course, a self-improvement book, or a random RM97 e-book on SEO—I’m in.
One good idea can change how I work, write, earn, or live.
I may think twice before spending RM20 on delivery, but never about spending RM200 on learning.
Personal growth pays the highest dividends—and unlike the stock market, there’s no bear market on your brain 🧠✨
4. Be Boring With Investing, Wild With Life
Let VOO do its thing—save the excitement for life’s adventures.
My investing strategy? Boring on purpose.
I don’t day trade, I don’t chase meme coins, and I definitely don’t jump on the latest hype because someone on TikTok said it’s “going to the moon.”
I stick to what I understand—like the S&P 500 ETF (VOO)—and hold it long term, rain or shine.
Why? Because I want my money to grow quietly in the background while I live a life that’s full of color, curiosity, and adventure.
Instead of spending hours glued to stock charts or worrying about price dips, I spend my time blogging, exploring new cat cafes around KL, trying random side hustles, visiting museums when I travel, and learning new things like data science or personal branding.
That’s the kind of excitement I choose.
5. Track Net Worth Monthly, Not Daily
Progress over perfection.
One of the best things I’ve done for my peace of mind (and my money mindset) is this: I only update my net worth once a month.
Not daily. Not even weekly. Just once.
Because real wealth doesn’t grow in a straight line—it grows like a messy squiggle that trends upward over time.
When I first started investing, I’d check my accounts obsessively.
Every dip felt personal. Especially with Bitcoin—one minute I’d be up RM500, the next I’d be down RM700. It was an emotional whiplash.
Now? BTC can drop 20% in a day and I barely blink. (Okay, maybe I flinch—but I don’t panic 😅)
My spreadsheet shows me the truth: even with market dips, slow months, or unexpected expenses, I’m still moving forward.
Slowly, steadily, sustainably. And that’s what counts.
6. Money Buys Freedom, Not Flex
My dream life > impressing strangers.
I don’t want to spend just to look rich—I want to be rich in time, choices, and peace of mind.
To me, money isn’t about flexing the latest phone, designer bags, or luxury brunches. It’s about freedom. The freedom to say “no” to toxic jobs, “yes” to passion projects, and to eventually live life on my own terms—independent, fulfilled, and maybe with a cat or two.
That dream life matters more to me than keeping up with the trends.
It’s why I still use the same phone even when newer models drop. It’s why I don’t feel pressured to upgrade my lifestyle every time my income increases.
And yes, sometimes it means making hard choices.
I’ve had to turn down trips with friends—not because I couldn’t afford it, but because it didn’t align with my bigger picture. While everyone was planning spontaneous getaways or YOLO weekends, I was saving for my car, investing into VOO, or funding my emergency cushion.
Saying no in those moments wasn’t easy—but it was necessary. Because I knew what I was saying yes to instead.
7. Every Expense Must Have ROI
Even matcha latte has value—if it makes me feel good.
Not every ringgit I spend has to make me money—but it does have to give me something meaningful in return. That’s my rule. Whether it’s knowledge, comfort, convenience, growth, or happiness, every expense in my life needs to offer some kind of ROI—return on investment.
So yes, sometimes that means I’ll spend RM13 on matcha latte after a long, stressful day. Not because I’m being “bad with money,” but because it boosts my mood, helps me recharge, and keeps me going.
That is ROI. Mental clarity and joy matter just as much as investment returns.
I ask myself one simple question before I buy something: “Will this make me better, smarter, or happier?”
If the answer is yes, I swipe guilt-free.
If the answer is no, I let it go—without FOMO.
8. If I’m Curious to Try, I Allocate a Bit of Money as Experimental Money
Curiosity doesn’t need to be restricted—I allocate a small budget to experiment without guilt.
I’ve learned that being financially disciplined doesn’t mean I have to deprive myself of new experiences or opportunities. If there’s something I’m curious about—whether it’s a new investment, a side hustle, or even a product I want to try—I set aside a small portion of my money as “experimental funds.”
This allows me to explore new things without throwing my entire financial plan off course.
For example, if I’m interested in testing out a new cryptocurrency or exploring a side gig like freelance writing or creating an online course, I’ll allocate a specific amount of money for it.
If it turns out to be a success, great!
If not, I consider it part of the learning process—just like paying for a class or buying a tool to expand my skillset.
This approach lets me stay curious and open to new ideas without feeling guilty.
I don’t believe in restricting myself entirely from trying something that could bring value. Instead, I make sure I can afford it without affecting my long-term financial goals.
It’s all about balance—having fun with experimentation while staying on track.
9. Insurance Is Not Optional
It’s protection, not paranoia.
Working in the insurance industry has taught me one very important lesson: no matter how careful or prepared I am, risks are always lurking.
I’ve seen firsthand how an unexpected event—whether it’s a serious health issue or a car accident—can drain years of hard-earned savings. Without proper insurance, what seems like a small bump in the road can quickly become a financial disaster.
I’ve come to realize that insurance isn’t about living in fear or worrying about what might go wrong.
It’s about making sure that I’m covered when life throws a curveball.
It’s an investment in my future stability. Just like saving or investing for retirement, insurance is a protective measure to safeguard my long-term peace of mind and financial health.
10. I Treat Blogging Like a Video Game, and Investing in It is Like Tuition Fees
Leveling up my blog is just like leveling up in a game—each investment is a step toward mastery.
I approach blogging like a video game: there’s always a new level to unlock, skills to improve, and goals to achieve. Every blog post, tweak, and update is a part of my growth process, and I love seeing my progress over time.
When I invest money into my blog—whether it’s getting a new portable monitor, a course on creating better headlines, or tools for SEO—it feels just like paying tuition fees. I’m investing in my education, my growth, and my future.
Each dollar spent is like a course or a lesson that will help me become better at the game, giving me the tools to level up and reach bigger milestones.
Just like in a video game, sometimes there are setbacks, or things don’t go as planned, but I know it’s all part of the journey. And when I see the results—whether it’s increased traffic, better engagement, or a successful partnership—it makes the “tuition fees” well worth it.
Related Posts:
- 3 Easy Ways to Invest in S&P500 as a Malaysian
- Why I Store My Cash in USD (and More!) with Wise Malaysia
- My Deep Dark Crypto Past
- Investing in the S&P 500 with StashAway Malaysia
- StashAway vs. Wahed: My Journey to Smart Investing
- 51 Best Ways to Earn Side Income in Malaysia
- 25 Obvious Ways to Save Money in Malaysia
- Ultimate PTPTN Loan Repayment Guide
Final Thoughts
These rules aren’t rigid—they evolve with me.
But they form the backbone of how I approach money as a 20-something Malaysian navigating adult life, side hustles, investing, and independence.
If you found this helpful, check out my other posts on car insurance in Malaysia, investing in the S&P500, and how I track my net worth.
And if you’ve got your own money rules, I’d love to hear them—drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram @miliesjourney.
Until then, keep building the life you want, one smart ringgit at a time 💛
