So I’ve been thinking about how trying to save money growing up in Malaysia isn’t exactly a walk in the park. One minute you’ve got RM50, the next it’s gone. Bubble tea here. A Shopee checkout there. Maybe a spontaneous café hangout with friends.
With e-wallets and GrabPay, it’s super easy to tap and go. But keeping track? That gets hard, fast.
Most of us were never really taught how to handle money. Like, sure, we learned Sejarah and Maths. But no one pulled us aside and said, “Here’s how to budget, or save for something you really want.”
I’ve come to realize money isn’t something to fear or feel awkward about. It’s just another life skill. Like learning to ride a bike or figuring out how to survive exam week.
From one friend to another: the earlier you start taking control, the easier it gets. You don’t have to get everything right. I didn’t either. But over time, I picked up a few habits that helped. I think they might help you too.
Track where your money goes (even the small stuff)
You know how it goes. RM3 for teh ais after class. RM18 on GrabFood because you’re “too tired to cook”. Then maybe RM50 gone from a late-night skincare haul you didn’t really plan for.
It feels like small stuff in the moment. But it adds up way faster than we think.
The first step that helped me save was just… paying attention. Not in a strict way. Just noticing where my money was actually going. Honestly? It was kind of shocking.
Once you see the little things piling up, it’s easier to tweak without giving up the stuff you love.
I’ve tried free apps like Money Lover and the MAE app by Maybank. They categorize expenses and give you weekly summaries. I also started with a notebook and Excel sheet – but that’s before I became an app convert. What matters most is consistency.
See the patterns. Spot where you’re overspending. Cut back. That’s how you learn the discipline it takes to save money growing up. Stick with it and it becomes automatic.
Budget without killing the fun
Budgeting doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. It just means knowing how much fun you can afford.
When I started, I used the 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% for needs (transport, lunch, phone credit).
- 30% for wants (shopping, entertainment).
- 20% for savings.
Say my monthly income is RM2,000. That’s RM1,000 for essentials, RM600 for fun, and RM400 to save. With this habit and patience, I actually managed to fund a trip to Europe!
Tools like Multiply Malaysia’s Budget Planner helped me visualize and adjust to my lifestyle. Budgeting helps me say “yes” to what I love, without the stress of going broke before month’s end.
Don’t let peer pressure drain your wallet
In school, uni, or even working life, it’s easy to feel pressured to keep up. Branded shoes. Fancy cafés. The latest gadgets. I felt it too, and I learned the hard way.
But here’s the truth: real friends won’t care if you suggest cheaper hangouts. Lepak at the park. Netflix night at someone’s place. Confidence isn’t about what you buy.
Sometimes it’s about choosing smart over flashy. Like skipping that viral cheesy treat on your FYP. And trust me, in five years, nobody will care if you missed that one overpriced meal at Telawi.
Save money growing up, even in small ways
There’s something empowering about earning your own cash, even if it’s small. It teaches you the value of hard work. It makes you think twice before spending.
Many teens I know earn by tutoring, baking, creating social media content, or selling stickers online. I even proofread essays for peers back in school.
Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork let you offer services like writing, design, or editing-skills you already use in school projects. Or try reselling pre-loved clothes on Carousell. Into content creation? Platforms like SushiVid connect you to youth-friendly brand campaigns.
And here’s a mindset shift: don’t save what’s left after spending. Save first, then spend. If you get RM100, stash RM20 away before anything else. Auto-transfer features on apps like MAE or CIMB Clicks make this super easy.
Think long-term (your future self will thank you!)
At 15 or 17, saving for the future feels boring. Even at 20, you might think, “Eh, it’s a long way to 60.” But trust me. Future you will thank you for every effort to save money growing up.
Maybe you dream of studying post-grad overseas. Or starting a business. Or buying your first car. These big goals start with small, smart habits today.
Here are some free local resources worth checking out:
- Multiply.org.my – Easy money concepts in Malaysian context.
- RinggitPlus Blog – Banking, credit cards, and investment guides.
- The Simple Sum Malaysia – Relatable IG finance content.
- Bank Negara’s Financial Education Network (FEN) – Campaigns and events on financial literacy.
You don’t have to wait until you’re working full-time to learn this. The earlier you start, the more prepared you’ll be.
Saving money isn’t just about cutting back. It’s about knowing what matters, saying no when you need to, and realizing your daily choices shape your future.
Whether you’re in school or college, building good habits now gives you freedom later. You don’t need a big paycheck to have financial freedom. Just discipline, self-awareness, and the courage to do things differently.
