u/groundnut666

Just curious, how many of you or people around you are still getting financial support from parents even after starting work?

The most common one I see is parents sponsoring overseas trips, but do people still have their living expenses, rent or car covered by parents?

Sometimes I see gen Zs going on multiple oversea trips and buying luxury items, and I wonder how they afford it. Are they earning that much, or are their parents still supporting them financially?

No judgement, just curious how common this is.

I (27M) non-bumi, currently holds around 80k in net worth. I only started putting more of my money into investments recently. About 30% is invested in ETF/stocks, while the remaining 70% is sitting in HYSA earning around 3-4%.

I feel like I could be getting more out of my money, but I'm not sure how should I actually have invested. Would an 80/20 split make sense, with 80% invested aggressively?

Also, would you guys lean more towards US or MY market? I really like US tech stocks, but obviously they can be pretty volatile. I do feel like an AI bubble burst is coming tho.

for those around my age, how do you guys split your assets?

Curious what people here think about the whole “you’re only young once, enjoy your 20s to the max” mindset.

I see people spending quite a lot on things like ski trips, backpacking, marathons, hiking, diving, and other physical/adventure activities. Some of these hobbies and trips can get pretty expensive, but the argument is that you’re young, healthy and have the energy to do these things now.

Would you consider someone like this financially irresponsible, especially if they’re not saving/investing as aggressively as they could?

Or is spending money on experiences actually a reasonable use of money, as long as they’re still saving something and not going into debt?

Where do you guys draw the line between “enjoying your youth” and “justifying irresponsible spending”?

Just curious to see how much everyone in their mid 20s is earning.

I'll go first. I (26M) earning RM5k/month in klang valley.

I'm quite careful with my spending and don't really splurge. After expenses and savings, I barely have extra cash left for wants.

But I keep seeing people my age going on overseas trips, buying designer bags, jewellery, new cars, and even houses.

I know I shouldn't compare because everyone has different circumstances, but I also want to know the reality. Sometimes it feels like everyone around me is earning much more.

Just wondering if I'm actually behind of it my perception is just skewed.

28M this year and honestly, dating in klang valley has been tough.

Been single for over 2 years now and haven’t really had much luck. I have met girls thru run clubs, gym, dating apps and even friends of friends, but nothing had really worked out.

Some had unrealistic expectations, some were still dealing with unresolved baggage, and others we just didn’t click in terms of personality and lifestyle. I know I am not perfect either, so I’m not blaming anyone.

There were times I genuinely felt a bit hopeless about finding a partner.

Anyone my age feels the same? If you eventually found your partner, how did it happen?

Any mamak, cafe, or restaurant with big screens to watch FIFA Finals later? Where would you recommend?

I know everyone has different lifestyles and standards, but do you think RM5K/month is roughly the point where a single person can live quite comfortably in Klang Valley.

Assuming no major commitments like house loan or supporting family, it feels like once you have passed the 5K mark, you can cover your expenses, save a bit, and still have enough to enjoy life.

Or is RM5k no longer enough with today's living standards? Curious to hear what people around that income range thinks.

Hi guys,

I am still quite early in my engineering career and have been curious about what the future looks like for engineers in Malaysia.

I often hear that the best way to increase your salary is to move into technical sales, project management, or people management roles. Meanwhile, engineers who stay in purely technical roles seems to have slower salary and career growth.

For those in your late 30s or 40s, has that been true for you? What role are you in today and roughly what kind of pay range are you at?

Did you stay technical, move into management/sales or do something completely different?

Im in a tech MNC and things have gotten noticeably tighter over the past few months because of bad business outlook. Non-essential travel is basically gone, employee benefits are getting trimmed, team buildings have all been cancelled, and even the pantry is looking dry af these days lol.

What surprised me was the even my business trip got cancelled. We have also been under a hiring freeze since last year.

No layoff so far (hopefully it stays that way), but atmosphere definitely feels a lot gloomy compared to previous years.

Curious how things are looking at other tech companies? Should I be looking to jump ship now?

Just curious what everyone here thinks is a comfortable combined income for a couple living in Klang Valley in their early 30s nowadays.

Assume DINKs, 2 cars, 1 landed house, maybe 1 overseas trip a year, can eat out here and there, save and invest monthly, but nothing too lavish or crazy luxury. Just comfortable and not stressing about money all the time.

Personally, I always tot RM10K combined is pretty decent but some of my friends are saying nowadays need at least RM15K.

What do you guys think?

Hi guys,

I am currently in my mid 20s and absolutely love traveling because I really do not want to miss out on life. But flight and accommodation cost a lot nowadays, and I know that saving and investing early is super important at this age.

I am trying to find a good middle ground and am thinking of setting aside a dedicated budget of RM10K a year specifically for trips.

Do you think RM10K a year is too much to spend at this age? How much do you guys usually allocate for annual travels?

For those who are a bit older, is traveling in your 30s really that different from your 20s? I often hear people say to see the world while you still young and energetic, so I am wondering if it is worth it to sacrifice a bit of savings now for these experiences.

I (27) am looking to buy an apartment either fully in cash or take a housing loan.

I am earning about 100k annually with about 120k in savings. No major commitment or debts right now.

The apartment is around 300k, with payment spread across 5 years during construction and expected completion in early 2031.

I think I can probably pay it progressively in cash by the time it’s completed, mainly because I want to avoid paying bank interest. But I’m also wondering if taking a loan might be better long term.

No car loan, emergency fund already set aside, and property fully for investment purposes.

Which way would be better for me?

My company (MNC) recently announced no more hiring for the rest of the year and cutting down on major investments. Then I talked to a few friends and apparently their companies are doing the same thing too. Budget cuts everywhere, approvals getting harder, projects slowing down and less spending overall.

Even my colleagues have been saying lately the vibes feels quite bad and honestly I kinda agree. It does make me think maybe job hopping now isn't the best idea and it's safer to job hug for a bit.

Are you guys seeing the same thing at your workplace, especially in MNCs?

What should I do to prepare if things get worse? Should I be storing more liquid cash?

I'm turning 27 this year, still living with my parents. Earns about 7k and usually have 2.5k leftovers monthly after expenses.

Been eyeing this 300k apartment for quite a while now and wondering if it's a good time to buy. Heard from quite a lot of people that it's currently a buyer's market, and part of me feels if I wait longer, property prices will just keep going up.

But at the same, I'm still single and honestly enjoying life now, travelling quite a lot, flexible lifestyle, not really settled down yet. I do want kids and a family eventually in my early 30s, but right now I still enjoy having the freedom.

Main concern is whether buying now will just tie me down financially for the next many years. But if I don't, maybe I'll regret later too.

Curious how you guys decided when to buy your first property.

Hi guys,

I (25M), non-bumi, currently have around RM3K left over from salary every month after expenses. No debt or commitments, single, and already have around 12 months emergency fund saved up. Also no plans for any major commitment anytime soon, so I can afford to take a bit more risk while Im still young.

I am looking more towards medium to long term investing, and Im okay with medium to high risk investments. That said, I also dont really want to actively trade or watch my portfolio everyday.

Now Im wondering whether I should keep things simple and put everything into VOO every month, or split it across different things like stocks, crypto, gold, EFP etc.

How would you allocate the 3K monthly?

Been seeing a lot of finance gurus online saying if you work a 9-5 job, chances are you will work your whole life. They always say the only real way to achieve financial freedom early is to start a business.

I get the logic since business income can scale faster than salary, but it also comes with alot of risk.

What I noticed is nobody really talks about the dark side of owning a business. Online it's always success stories and be your own boss content. Hardly anyone talks about failed businesses, losing money, debt, burnout, and years of struggle.

Is business really the best/only path to financial freedom, or can people still get there through a normal job?

Would appreciate any honest stories from business owners here.

Hi all,

I (27M) currently earning 4.5K in a fully WFH job and staying with my parents, so expenses are quite low. WLB is also quite good since I save time and money on commuting. I also got alot more time to do my own stuff and gym.

I recently got a new offer for 6K, benefits are slightly better, but it is a fully 5 days WFO role. Commute is 1 hour 15 minutes one way from Kajang to PJ.

Do you think the extra money is worth giving up WFH and spending more time commuting? Would you take the new offer?

Just something I have been thinking about lately.

It feels like in the US and Europe, companies are quick to do layoffs or retrenchments, especially when the economy is bad. Feels like layoff has been part of their corporate culture. Every day, there is surely a layoff news from the western world.

But in Malaysia, I don't really see or hear about it as much. I know it definitely happens, but it just feels so rare.

So, I am wondering, are layoffs actually less common here, or is it just people don't really share or talk about it? Maybe companies here choose to do in more discreetly?

Hi all,

I recently joined a new engineering company. Not long ago, there was a townhall from HQ saying that they are freezing all hiring for the rest of the year. Main reasons given were declining sales, the war in Iran, and overall global uncertainty.

From what I understand, my company is also allegedly looking to cut some employee benefits.

Just wanted to ask those here, is the situation really that bad globally because of the war and uncertainty? Or is this usually a management's excuse of justifying cost cutting measures.

Are other companies in Malaysia doing the same now?