Ever looked at your bank account at the end of the month and thought:
“Where did all my money go?” 😵💫
If yes — this story is for you.
Today, I’m breaking down exactly how I manage my monthly salary, what I spend, what I cut, what I invest — and how I realistically plan to hit RM100,000 in savings by 2026 without living like a monk.
No fluff. No “get rich quick” nonsense. Just real numbers and real decisions.
Step 1: Know Your Real Income (Not Just Your Salary)
The first rule of money management is simple:
👉 You must know exactly how much you make.
My net salary (after EPF, SOCSO, and deductions) is RM3,850.
On top of that, I earn some side income from referrals. Usually around RM200+, but this month? Only RM3 😅 — yes, income fluctuates.
📊 Total net income this month: RM4,033
This is the number that matters — not your gross salary.
Step 2: Split Expenses Into Two Buckets
I divide expenses into:
1️⃣ Living expenses (money that’s gone forever)
2️⃣ Debt payments (money that still has a balance)
Living Expenses (Urban Reality Check)
I live in Klang Valley, so costs are higher:
🏠 Rent: RM1,500 (upgraded from RM600 — comfort has a price)
💧 Water: RM6.50
⚡ Electricity: ~RM50
🌐 Internet: RM126
📱 Mobile data: RM25
Subscriptions (Silent Budget Killers)
Google One: RM1.99
YouTube Premium: RM20.90
HBO Max: RM24.90
ChatGPT: RM95.99 🤖
Credit Card Hacks (Used Correctly) 💳
I use a cashback credit card strategically:
⛽ Fuel: RM200/month → effectively RM15 after cashback
🍔 Groceries & dining: RM1,000 → RM965 after cashback
⚠️ Important: This only works if you pay in full every month.
Step 3: Deal With Debt — The Smart Way
Good news first:
🎓 PTPTN — fully settled (First Class Honours 🎉)
Remaining debts:
🚗 Car loan: RM452/month (89 months left)
🛒 Installment plan: RM266/month (0% interest, 4 months left)
No bad debt. No panic.
The Reality Check: Disposable Income
After everything?
💰 Disposable income: RM253
That’s only ~6% of my salary.
Average Malaysians save around 14%, so clearly — something had to change.
How I Increased My Savings Rate (Without a Pay Raise)
Move 1: Cut Subscriptions
Removing ChatGPT + HBO:
📈 Disposable income rises to 9.27%
Still not enough.
Move 2: Kill the Smallest Debt First
I redirected 100% of disposable income to clear my 0% installment early.
Result?
🔥 Disposable income jumps to 15.88%
Now we’re talking.
Step 4: Where I Put My Extra Money
Rule of thumb:
✅ Build 6 months emergency fund first
I’ve done that — so my 2026 plan is investing.
I’m focusing on long-term ETFs, targeting realistic returns of 10–12% annually.
Even at conservative numbers, investing consistently for 30 years can turn hundreds into millions.
That’s the power of time + discipline.
Why I Use Versa to Grow My Money 📱
Managing money shouldn’t be complicated.
That’s why I use Versa:
✔ Easy-to-use app
✔ Products managed by AHAM Asset Management Berhad
✔ Suitable for beginners AND long-term investors
If you’re serious about building wealth — not just saving — this is a great place to start.
🎁 Get RM10 When You Start with Versa
I’m inviting you to try Versa too.
👉 Here’s how to get RM10 for free:
1️⃣ Download the app
🔗 https://download.versa.com.my/1bAf/referral?deep_link_value=UAVR6K5X
2️⃣ Sign up using referral code: UAVR6K5X
3️⃣ Complete onboarding
4️⃣ Make your first cash-in of minimum RM100
That’s it.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a six-figure salary to build wealth.
You need:
Awareness
Structure
Consistency
The right tools
Start small. Start today.
Your 2026 self will thank you.
🚀 Ready to take control of your money?
👉 Download Versa now and start growing smarter.
#PersonalFinance #MoneyManagement #InvestingJourney
#VersaApp #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom
#MalaysiaFinance #SaveAndInvest
