Category: Personal Finance

4 Timeless Money Goal Tips


It’s July, which means it’s about time to do a mid-year check-in (WHERE DID HALF THE YEAR GO?!). Personally as I do my check-in, I’m keeping in mind that a lot has changed since January. Between political uncertainties and battling the pandemic, my 2020 goals look like they were written in an alternate timeline and require significant adjustments, if not overhauling, and that’s ok. The goals still did their job as a directional force, which was especially helpful in incredible times of uncertainty.

Now if you need some help readjusting your goals, here are 4 timeless tips I picked up from my conversation with Suraya Zainudin (Ringgit Oh Ringgit) and Aaron Tang (Mr. Stingy) at the start of the year about goals.

  • Break the goal down instead of having one big ambiguous goal like ‘save more money’. Try something like ‘I will save 10% of my income every month’. That will clarify the goal, and with that help you achieve it.
  • Build systems to help you achieve your goals. An example here related to the above-stated goal would be to automate your 10% savings, which is a feature available on most banking platforms. Set it up so that every month 10% of your income goes into another account so that you can’t “accidentally” use it up.
    • Pro Tip: Personally I’ve set it up so that the money leaves my account a few days after my salary comes in, to be specific the 1st of the month. This way I start the month knowing that I’ve put money towards my different goals and commitments.
    • Pro Pro Tip: Consider increasing your EPF contribution – that way you’ll tap into the power of compounding interest and you won’t be able to touch the money till you’re 55.
    • Super Pro Tip: Think about trying a digital investment platform, like Stashaway. This will also tap into the power of compounding interest but with more flexibility.
  • Review your goals. Take Mr. Stingy for example, he sets aside (a SMART goal approved) half a day every month to do a money review and keep aware of his finances. Don’t try and be a hero and say you’ll do it everyday, be realistic. I feel that it’s better to start small and grow, than to start big and stop soon.
  • Mistakes will happen. You’re not perfect, remember that it’s ok to make mistakes or even fail, as long as your making progress and taking the right steps. Example: Suraya had some pretty moonshot goals, (like earning RM100,000 in 6 months!), and although she knows she might not achieve them the process of trying to get them done will move her forward!

I hope that these were helpful and I’d love to hear your own thoughts, tips, and strategies for goal setting! Let me know in the comments section below or hit me up on Twitter!

Now if you’ve got 20 minutes and want to hear more from Suraya and Aaron, check out the full episode on BFM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or whenever you listen to podcasts. The episode is titled: Money Goal Tips With Mr. Stingy And ‘Ringgit Oh Ringgit’

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SUlUymxsLmoJyat2ZzNEN?si=l-kekY7bQ66C-Fm7xkrgdA

4 Reasons To Passively Invest


While there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for all of us, passive investing is often touted as a simple and effective way to invest by buying a reputable ETF with global exposure and doing so for the long term. I discussed this, and the argument against stock picking, with Julian Ng, Chief Financial Guy of roboadvisor-hopeful Akru, which you can find linked below. However if you don’t have 20 minutes to spare right now, below are 4 reasons to consider the passive investing strategy.

My conversation with Julian Ng on the basics and merits of passive investing, the argument against stock picking and why not all ETFs are created equal

Diversification – Many of us are busy, we can barely find the time for hobbies let alone researching a portfolio of stocks to buy. Buying into a reputable global ETF could allow you to minimise time on research, while giving your money simple and immediate global diversification. Paired with dollar-cost averaging, you will be able to further manage risk by diversifying your investments over time.


Simplicity – Too many choices and decisions can cause overthinking and analysis paralysis. This can keep many people from investing purely due to inertia. Reduce the friction by keeping your investing strategy simple and long-term focused by using a reputable global ETF.


Discipline – A simple passive investing strategy can also encourage discipline as you keep your investing to the selected ETF(s). This can be more efficient risk-taking (and diversification) than stock picking, which is characterised by concentrated bets, and can be nerve wrecking during increased market volatility.


Fees – Going in and out of the stock market generally incurs fees, which can eat into your returns in the long term if taken for granted.

For more on this, catch the full Ringgit & Sense podcast with Julian Ng, Chief Financial Guy of Akru, on the BFM app or Spotify

4 Lessons From The Pandemic


As some part of normal life restarts in Malaysia, we should take a minute to recognise the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially considering that the world hasn’t seen this much disruption since World War 2.

I discussed this, and thoughts on investing during a recession, with Aaron Tang, a.k.a financial blogger Mr. Stingy, which you can find linked at the bottom. However if you don’t have 20 minutes to spare right now, below are 4 highlights from the conversation.

My conversation with personal finance blogger Aaron Tang on lessons from the pandemic, investing during a recession and his tips on managing personal finances.
  • Surprises Happen. The long bull market and global economic growth put many of us in a false sense of security, especially since Malaysia’s last major crisis was about 21 years ago. It’s essential to remember that surprises are bound to come up and we should be realistically prepared. As author and economist Daniel Kahneman once put it, “the correct lesson to learn from surprises is that the world is surprising”.
  • Survival. You have to build cash reserves, ideally 6-12 months of expenses. Now you won’t build it overnight, but you need to start now, doing so will provide you a buffer should you lose your job. This will also provide a sense of security to invest for the long run as it’ll minimise the risk of having to sell some of your investments in a cash crunch, which can be painful if your portfolio happens to be in the red due to market volatility.
  • Job security is not guaranteed. When the economy is hit and businesses are impacted, jobs are likely to be cut. We need to keep that in mind and prepare, especially if the potential disruption from COVID-19 could recur.
  • Consumerism is overrated. When life is turned upside down, we start reevaluating what’s important to us and our needs. While it’s nice to have nice things, this shouldn’t supersede your financial security. There’s nothing wrong with a little retail therapy as long, as it’s within your means, after taking into consideration your financial goals and progress on your cash buffer.

For more on this, catch the full Ringgit & Sense podcast with Aaron Tang, financial blogger at www.mr-stingy.com, on the BFM app or Spotify

The Year Is Ending, Have You Maximised Your Tax Reliefs?


In light of the fact that we’re entering the last month of the year, I spoke to tax consultant Thanneermalai, of Thannees Tax Consulting, about how best to prepare for your next tax filing, especially when it comes to maximizing tax relief to pay the right amount of taxes.

We also got into how to deal and prepare for an audit and Thannee’s thoughts on Budget 2020.

Check it out on:

7 Ways to Teach Kids About Money


How do we teach kids about money and finances? When should you start a retirement fund for your child? How much does a kid cost today?

In conjunction with World Children’s Day, I address these and more with Steve Lim, Chief Learning Officer of Affin Hwang Asset Management.

Catch the conversation on Apple Podcasts, the BFM app or on Spotify.

We also get into ways to teach the value of money, managing instant gratification, showing the power of compounding interest and more.

If you’ve got questions, comments, suggestions or stories, please get in touch with over email at ringgit@bfm.my or tweet us at @ringgitandsense

How Could Budget 2020 Affect Your Wallet?


Find out by catching my conversation with to Liew Ooi Hann, CEO of RinggitPlus, on Apple Podcasts, the BFM app or on Spotify

We spoke about the budget’s potential impact on our wallets and benefits that slipped under the radar, as well as getting Malaysians back to work, the new top income tax bracket and his other takeaways from Budget 2020.

We also got into the government’s apparent digital push, the consumer digital service tax, and inflation.

Keep up to date by following Ringgit & Sense on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the BFM app.

Basics: Breaking Down Monetary and Fiscal Policy Before Budget 2020


We’ve heard a lot about fiscal and monetary policy this year, and with Budget 2020 just round the corner, I spoke with Carmelo Ferlito, Senior Fellow, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) to help break all this down and maybe add more context for Budget 2020 and what it means for us.

Catch the conversation at these platforms or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Apple: http://bit.ly/Understanding-Fiscal-Policy-2

BFM: http://bit.ly/Understanding-Fiscal-Policy-1

Spotify: http://bit.ly/Understanding-Fiscal-Policy

Google: http://bit.ly/Understanding-Fiscal-Policy-3

Simple Strategies to Start Investing


Do you want to invest, but just don’t know how to start?

With markets at all-time highs, it can be anxiety-inducing to start or continue investing.

On this episode, I speak to Wong Wai Ken, of robo-advisory Stashaway, about investing strategies, dollar-cost averaging and actively versus passively managed funds.

Catch the conversation on the following platforms or your usual podcast app.

Apple: https://apple.co/2YRHoW5

BFM: http://bit.ly/2LP3vJj

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2GaLMsc

 

Simply Saving Just Isn’t Enough


Is saving enough for retirement? What are the common financial mistakes young people make? How should we think about investing?

On this episode of Ringgit and Sense, I speak to Nirmala Subramaniam of AKPK and financial planner Warren Mak about these and more.

Catch the conversation at any of the following links or search ‘Ringgit and Sense’ on your usual podcast platform.

Apple: https://apple.co/2NDhxjB

BFM: http://bit.ly/32eqaVa

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/32cTqLO

The Cost of Connectivity – How Much is Too Much?


When it comes to data, how many gigs is too many gigs?

With the dawn of the age of the smartphone, the internet has essentially become a necessity and sometimes that can hurt our wallets. Telcos are offering us more minutes and gigabytes but is more really better?

  • How much data should you get?
  • Are you overspending?
  • Should you choose postpaid or prepaid?
  • Should you get a phone with a plan?

I explore these questions, and more, with Idham Idris,  Licensed Financial Planner and Director of Wealth Vantage Advisory.

Check out the conversation at any of the following links.

Apple: https://apple.co/2N69k7b

BFM: http://bit.ly/2N8Uhdf

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2NbxahW

Pocket Cast: http://bit.ly/2Nbxq0u