Invest the spare change

What is My Finance?

Need an easier way to understand your finances? My Finance is a free-to-use feature within the Raiz app. It provides you with personalised insights and notifications on how you are spending. Spending is the other side of the equation when it comes to saving so by spending less, you can potentially save more…. Keeping a handle on how spending can help you meet your savings goals 🙂

In addition, we have harnessed machine learning & artificial intelligence into the feature so that it will provide you with tips & insights relevant to you – about your spending habits and where you may have saving opportunities.

How it works

To use My Finance, please make sure you link up your spending accounts as this is how My Finance will be able to provide you personalised insights. The more up to date your My Finance is with categorised spends and linked accounts, the more accurate this will be.

Check out ‘Uncategorised’ tab in My Finance

Check out the ‘Uncategorised’ tab within ‘Categorise Transactions’ to categorise any that My Finance was unable to. My Finance will then learn to categorise this in the future and give you better insights, powered by machine learning technology.

You are also able to change categorised transactions that we may have categorised wrong at any time by tapping on ‘All’ and the specific transaction you’d like to change. It will also fix up past transactions and My Finance will learn to categorise this in the future as well.

Future Cash

My Finance also projects your future free cash based on your past spending and income, which may also help you determine if you are spending above your means or if you can save more.

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Don’t have the Raiz App? 

Download it for free in the App store: 

Important Information 

The information on this website is general advice only. This means it does not consider any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or investment needs. If you are an investor, you should consult your licensed adviser before acting on any information contained in this article to fully understand the benefits and risk associated with the Raiz product. 

The information on this website is confidential. It must not be reproduced, distributed or disclosed to any other person. The information is based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice. This will impact the accuracy of the information. 

Under no circumstances is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of deciding about investing in Raiz. 

The past return performance of the Raiz product should not be relied on for deciding to invest in Raiz and is not a good predictor of future performance. 

31 Mei 2020

by Aidi Izham, CFP®, MIFP

What determine an investment, “a syariah-compliant investment”?

All Raiz investment portfolios are investing in unit trust funds managed by Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB), a wholly-owned subsidiary company of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB).

The funds have invited two views;

FIRST, from the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), the statutory body that is responsible to regulate and develop the Malaysian capital market — the funds are NOT considered compliant.

Why?

Mainly because PNB’s strategic investment in Maybank, considered a non-syariah compliant financial services stock. For SC to say a fund is compliant, they look at the business activity benchmarks and financial ratio benchmarks, while at the same time account for qualitative aspect which involves public perception or image of the company’s activities.

However, the SECOND view coming from the Islamic local councils in Malaysia, both at state (Jawatankuasa Fatwa Negeri) and federal level (Jawatankuasa Fatwa Majlis Kebangsaan) — the funds are “harus”, for these obvious reasons;

• PNB’s mandate is to enrich the lives of the Bumiputeras, which majority are Muslims. PNB has some 14 million unitholders, of which about 80% are Bumi.
• PNB does not invest in “haram” shares” such as alcohol, gambling or tobacco stocks.
• There are limited number of syariah-compliant equity instruments on Bursa Malaysia considering how much money PNB has to invest — PNB has RM312 billion to invest, but Syariah-Compliant securities on Bursa Malaysia is only RM1.1 trillion (as at 31 Dec 2019).
• If PNB pulls out its share from Maybank due to its non-syariah compliance, that would have a major negative economic impact on Bumi Muslims.
• If PNB did not have majority shares in Maybank, for instance, it will lessen the acceleration of Islamic finance in the country – Maybank Islamic is the largest Islamic banking group in Malaysia and ASEAN by assets.

Therefore, for the above obvious reasons, after considering and prioritising wider public interest (maslahah), keeping the investment in Maybank is regarded as an essential (dharuriyyah) – hence the ruling “harus”.

In conclusion;

1. From the SC – the funds are not Syariah-compliant
2. From the Jawatankuasa Fatwa – the funds are “harus”
3. There is no force if one wishes to invest or, indeed, to not invest at all. That’s why the principles of needs (hajiyyah) provide a certain flexibility and freedom (although not absolute) for the individual to choose.

Wallahuaklam.

Sumber:

Bursa Malaysia, FAST BNM

PNB Annual Report 2019

www.asnb.com.my

www.pnb.com.my 

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Don’t have the Raiz App? 

Download it for free in the App store: 

Important Information 

The information on this website is general advice only. This means it does not consider any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or investment needs. If you are an investor, you should consult your licensed adviser before acting on any information contained in this article to fully understand the benefits and risk associated with the Raiz product. 

The information on this website is confidential. It must not be reproduced, distributed or disclosed to any other person. The information is based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice. This will impact the accuracy of the information. 

Under no circumstances is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of deciding about investing in Raiz. 

The past return performance of the Raiz product should not be relied on for deciding to invest in Raiz and is not a good predictor of future performance. 

31 Mei 2020

oleh Aidi Izham, CFP®, MIFP

Apa yg menentukan sesuatu pelaburan, “patuh Syariah”?

Semua portfolio pelaburan Raiz adalah di dalam dana-dana unit amanah Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB), anak syarikat milik penuh Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB).

Tidak dinafikan, dana-dana tersebut ada dua percanggahan pendapat tentang status “patuh Syariah” nya.

PERTAMA, daripada Suruhanjaya Sekuriti Malaysia (SC), badan berkanun yg bertanggungjawab mengawal selia dan membangunkan pasaran modal Malaysia – dana-dana tersebut TIDAK diberikan status “patuh Syariah”.

Kenapa?

Kerana pegangan pelaburan strategik PNB dalam syarikat perbankan terbesar Malaysia, Maybank (KLSE:MAYBANK), yang dianggap saham perkhidmatan kewangan tidak “patuh Syariah”. Untuk SC memberi status Syariah kepada sesuatu saham atau sekuriti, SC melihat kepada tanda aras aktiviti perniagaan (business activity benchmarks) dan tanda aras nisbah kewangan (financial ratio benchmarks). Selain itu, aspek kualitatif yang melibatkan persepsi umum atau imej aktiviti syarikat turut diambil kira.

Bagaimanapun, pendapat KEDUA daripada Jawatankuasa Fatwa negeri-negeri dan juga Jawatankuasa Fatwa Majlis Kebangsaan bersepakat bahawa dana-dana ASNB “harus” hukumnya, atas beberapa sebab jelas berikut;

• Mandat PNB adalah untuk memperkayakan kehidupan semua rakyat Malaysia dan Bumiputera khususnya yg majoritinya beragama Islam. PNB memiliki lebih 14 juta pemegang unit, di mana kira-kira 80% adalah Bumiputera.
• PNB tidak melabur dalam sektor yang berkaitan secara langsung dengan perkara-perkara haram seperti arak, judi dan rokok.
• Saiz ekuiti patuh Syariah di Bursa Malaysia adalah terhad, terutamanya sektor perkhidmatan kewangan, apabila diambil kira amaun yg perlu PNB laburkan – saiz asset PNB ialah RM312 bilion, tetapi pasaran modal patut Syariah di bursa Malaysia hanya RM1.1 trillion (setakat 31 Dec 2019)

Jika PNB menarik keluar pelaburannya dalam Maybank, berkemungkinan besar ia akan mendatangkan kesan negatif yang besar kepada ekonomi Bumiputera Islam.

Andainya PNB tidak memiliki pegangan majoriti dalam Maybank, ia akan melambatkan pembangunan kewangan Islam di negara ini – Maybank Islamic, bank Islam terbesar dari segi aset di Malaysia dan ASEAN, jelas memacu pertumbuhan industri ini.

Oleh itu, atas sebab-sebab jelas ini, setelah mengambil kira dan mengutamakan kepentingan awam (maslahah), mengekalkan pelaburan di Maybank dianggap sebagai penting (dharuriyyah) – lalu Jawatankuasa Fatwa meng”harus”kannya.

Kesimpulannya;

1. Dari SC – dana-dana ASNB TIDAK diberi status “patuh Syariah”
2. Dari Jawatankuasa Fatwa – HARUS
3. Tiada paksaan jika seseorang itu berhasrat untuk melabur, atau tidak sama sekali. Oleh kerana itu, prinsip hajiyyah (kemudahan) memberi kemudahan dan kelapangan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Ketiadaannya tidak akan menjejaskan kehidupan tetapi juga akan menyebabkan sedikit kesulitan.

Wallahuaklam.

Sumber:

Bursa Malaysia, FAST BNM

PNB Annual Report 2019

www.asnb.com.my

www.pnb.com.my 

 

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Maklumat Penting 

Maklumat di laman web ini adalah nasihat umum sahaja. Ini bermakna ia tidak mempertimbangkan objektif pelaburan, keadaan kewangan atau keperluan pelaburan seseorang.

Sekiranya anda seorang pelabur, anda harus berjumpa dengan penasihat berlesen anda sebelum menggunakan apa-apa maklumat yang terdapat dalam artikel ini untuk memahami sepenuhnya manfaat dan risiko yang berkaitan dengan produk Raiz. 

Maklumat di laman web ini adalah sulit. Ia tidak boleh diterbitkan semula, diedarkan atau didedahkan kepada orang lain. Maklumat tersebut berdasarkan andaian atau keadaan pasaran yang berubah tanpa notis. Ini akan mempengaruhi ketepatan maklumat. 

Dalam apa jua keadaan maklumat yang akan digunakan oleh, atau disampaikan kepada, seseorang untuk tujuan membuat keputusan mengenai pelaburan di Raiz, prestasi pulangan masa lalu produk Raiz tidak boleh dijadikan panduan semasa membuat keputusan untuk melabur dalam Raiz dan bukan peramal prestasi masa depan yang baik.

What is Raiz Philosophy? (Ringgit Cost Averaging) 

The Raiz Philosophy is to invest small amounts regularly. While this can’t eliminate market uncertainty, the Raiz Philosophy can help manage it, and at the same time help you learn about the markets, build financial confidence or just save and invest in the background of life. 

This is the well-known investment strategy, Ringgit Cost Averaging. Raiz automates the strategy and does it more frequently, with the average Raiz customer investing at least once a week. By investing small amounts regularly, the Raiz philosophy protects your investments from emotion. If prices go up, you buy fewer of the now more expensive shares and, if they go down, you buy more of the now cheaper shares. It’s an automated, disciplined approach to investing for the long term. 

Studies suggest that losses are twice as powerful, psychologically, as gains, leading this type of investment mindset to be more likely to make the mistake of needlessly selling holdings and switching to cash in a down market. By avoiding the media hype or fear in picking the ‘right time’ through regular contributions, investors can avoid both the euphoric and depressive investment traps. 

On average a Raiz customer saves RM150 a month with the average balance of a customer is RM1,250. 

 

In 2007, Buffett bet a New York hedge fund $1 million that his simple, low-cost investing strategy would outperform the hedge fund industry over 10 years. And he won. 

Stick to your savings plan and invest small amounts regularly, no matter the market condition. By protecting your investments from emotion, the Raiz Philosophy is one of the keys to helping you and our community to better reach your financial goals and enable a healthier balance over the long term. 

Remember: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” 

  

Any returns shown or implied in this article are not forecasts and are not reliable guides of future performance. 

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Don’t have the Raiz App? 

Download it for free in the App store: 

Important Information

The information on this website is general advice only. This means it does not consider any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or investment needs. If you are an investor, you should consult your licensed adviser before acting on any information contained in this article to fully understand the benefits and risk associated with the Raiz product.

The information on this website is confidential. It must not be reproduced, distributed or disclosed to any other person. The information is based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice. This will impact the accuracy of the information.

Under no circumstances is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of deciding about investing in Raiz.

The past return performance of the Raiz product should not be relied on for deciding to invest in Raiz and is not a good predictor of future performance.

Markets go up and markets go down. This is completely normal and is known as market volatility or risk. The Raiz Philosophy is to invest small amounts regularly, even in falling markets as this can help you to ride out the downturns in the market and is one of the keys to having a healthier balance over the long run. This is the well-known principle of Ringgit Cost Averaging. 

How does it work? For example, say you have RM1,000 to invest. Instead of investing it all at once, you could invest RM100 each month into the market for 10 months, despite the changes in the market value. 

If for example the stock of choice was priced at RM10 the first month, you would purchase 10 units. If during the second month the stock was priced at RM5, you would purchase 20 units, and so on. 

In the end, you would have purchased more shares when prices were lower and fewer shares when prices were higher. The outcome is that you may have invested more prudently than simply investing the money all at once in a lump sum. 

Let’s look at the other key advantages to sticking with Ringgit Cost Averaging (RCA): 

  

Avoids Bad Timing 

Investing in one lump sum and trying to pick the best price to enter the stock is known as market timing and is something very difficult to do and get right. 

If an investor could have any superpower in the world, it would be to pick the low points of the market. Many have tried, succeeded and failed but no one knows exactly when the lows and highs will happen, and no one can stop unwanted surprises from happening. 

Ringgit Cost Averaging can provide a disciplined strategy as it ensures you are not too exposed to falls in the market when you buy at the top; and rewarding you when the market recovers, for buying when the market was falling. 

By not depending on the timing, RCA can smooth out the market’s ups and downs. 

  

Reduces Risk 

Ringgit Cost Averaging is most effective in a long–term saving strategy. As the market moves up and down, ringgit-cost averaging over time reduces your risks of trying to pick the best times to invest from these swings. 

By viewing falling markets as buying opportunities, you can significantly enhance your long-term return potential when the market rebounds. 

  

Removes Emotional Investing 

People often make decisions based on emotion or loss aversion. Loss aversion refers to an investor’s tendency to strongly prefer avoiding losses to acquiring gains. 

Studies suggest that losses are twice as powerful, psychologically, as gains, leading this type of investment mindset to be more likely to make the mistake of needlessly selling holdings and switching to cash in a down market. 

By avoiding the media hype or fear in picking the ‘right time’, investors can avoid both the euphoric and depressive investment traps. 

  

Ringgit Cost Averaging strategy is in line with the Raiz’ philosophy and provides a disciplined strategy. 

“We don’t have to be smarter than the rest, we have to be more disciplined than the rest.” – Warren Buffett 

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Don’t have the Raiz App? 

Download it for free in the App store: 

Important Information

The information on this website is general advice only. This means it does not consider any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or investment needs. If you are an investor, you should consult your licensed adviser before acting on any information contained in this article to fully understand the benefits and risk associated with the Raiz product.

The information on this website is confidential. It must not be reproduced, distributed or disclosed to any other person. The information is based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice. This will impact the accuracy of the information.

Under no circumstances is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of deciding about investing in Raiz.

The past return performance of the Raiz product should not be relied on for deciding to invest in Raiz and is not a good predictor of future performance.

Either spend or saving, wealthy people tend to choose saving rather than spend when they receive money. 

The distinction between rich and wealthy is that getting rich is just about the gathering of cash. It can travel every which way, and on the off chance that somebody who’s rich loses their cash, they may experience difficulty recapturing that or remaking once more.  

At the point when we talk about building wealth, we, for the most part, consider numbers or how we can expand our salary, how we can contribute, or how we can settle on better choices dependent on numbers. Be that as it may, well off individuals are likewise doing things that aren’t numbers centred.  

However, for wealthy individuals, they have a special mindset. This blog will encounter five things that well-off individuals do all the time that make them monetarily productive. Obviously, this is certainly not an “each mogul does this” or “do these things for ensured wealthy”, it’s progressively investigating reliable practices of the best and well-off individuals. 

 

1. Work out  

Wealthy people love to work out. They usually will find activities that can bring joy and prosperous for their health. Basically, they’re exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, and they’re doing that around four days per week. It is anything but a great deal, it is anything but an immense duty, yet look into shows that individuals who exercise have much better results as far as the manner in which that they think, getting clearness in their life, and making a decision.  

There are lots of research out there on work out. I’ll let you see what you can find but work out is something that wealthy people do steadily.  

Richard Branson is well-known for kite surfing and jogging. The billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban says he does 1 hour of cardio 6 or 7 days per week! 

 

2. Read 

Read is a necessity for wealthy people. Research has turned out saying that CEOs, top-level CEOs, are perusing overall 60 books for every year. 60 books contrasted with around a couple of that every other person peruses. 

The knowledge that you get from books is mind-blowing. It’s something that you can’t get to anyplace. The deep information that you can get in your ear through book recordings is likewise an effective utilization of time! You can spend 30 minutes out of every day while you’re working out. That is wellbeing and riches in a single hit! What’s more, I’m not simply discussing fiction books either, it’s genuine or ways that you can figure out how to improve your reasoning. Do a solid blend between the two.   

Bill Gates says that he reads 50 books for each year and Warren Buffet says he reads 5 to 6 hours out of every day! 

 

3. Network. 

Your network is your net worth. That means that you’re connected to other people and it opens the doors for many opportunities. Build wealth is not just sitting in your back room and keeping to yourself. You’ve got to get out there, go to events, talk to people. 

A portion of my greatest deals has originated from simply going out to a systems administration occasion, trading my card, having some nourishment, and enjoying a brew with a leader. Initially, you could feel you’ve taken a stab at dropping in especially if it’s excessively occupied, however when you get eye to eye with somebody, and they can perceive what you’re similar to as an individual, that is the point at which the open doors can truly begin to open up. Along these lines, get out there and start connecting. 

 

4. Mentors 

Arnold Schwarzenegger says in his book, “There’s no one that is self-made.” Everyone has mentors, everyone has guidances, everyone has coaches, advisors. Find your mentors, find people who’ve been there and done that with that experience.  

It doesn’t really need to be up close and personal, that is perfect, however, I comprehend that it very well may be constraining. For me growing up, I had my dad as a guide, however looking past that, regarding building wealth, I went for books.  

Having those books, having those individuals that have constructed billion-dollar fortunes, and seeing what choices they make and how they work, is the thing that I’ve utilized as tutoring also.  

Ask business owners or investors you look up to. Don’t be so naïve. Play it cool. Go for coffee and follow up with a few emails. But don’t come out and ask, ‘hey can you be my mentor? Be professional. 

  

5. Appreciation 

Wealthy individuals practice gratitude consistently. There’s nothing more awful than speculation and contrasting yourself with others and saying how far you are behind. Rather than saying I don’t have this, be appreciative for what you do have. There are a lot of individuals out there who accept that you are carrying on an adaptation of their best life. 

So in case you’re becoming ill and tired of getting down to business, as opposed to awakening and saying, “I need to get down to business today,” wake up and state, ” I get the chance to get down to business today,” in light of the fact that there are a lot of individuals who are out there battling that don’t have work who might want to be in your chance and exploit what you have. 

Practice some gratitude. It would never be a waste attitude for a human being that’s will control us to be humble. It changes that way you think, you become much progressively happy with life, so you’re not out there pursuing the material things. Rather, you’re beginning to pursue what feeling appreciation enables you to turn into. 

By building your positive mindset, this is the energy that you have to raise your wealth. When you’re ready to begin doing that, and sharpen that, at that point, the cash part will get simpler. It’s presumably 80% outlook and 20% procedure, so by taking a shot at your mindset, this will go far towards raising your wealth.

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Don’t have the Raiz App? 

Download it for free in the App store: 

Important Information

The information on this website is general advice only. This means it does not consider any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or investment needs. If you are an investor, you should consult your licensed adviser before acting on any information contained in this article to fully understand the benefits and risk associated with the Raiz product.

The information on this website is confidential. It must not be reproduced, distributed or disclosed to any other person. The information is based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice. This will impact the accuracy of the information.

Under no circumstances is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of deciding about investing in Raiz.

The past return performance of the Raiz product should not be relied on for deciding to invest in Raiz and is not a good predictor of future performance.

Valentine’s Day is the opportunity to show your love to that special someone and how much they mean to you. There’s no doubt that something luxurious stays in our head for a long time. That is why sometimes people break the banks just for valentine’s Day. 

Don’t worry, love isn’t measured in ringgit. You don’t have to spend a lot to show someone that you care. It’s the intention and thoughts that counts. So, here are a few ways we can have a special day on Valentine’s Day without ruining our budget or put us into further debt. 

 

1. Give a handwritten letter. 

Don’t underestimate handwritten letter. It is more meaningful because writing to someone and taking the time to craft each sentence while thinking of that person will make them feel special. Handwritten letter also feels more personal and is suitable to use to express our feelings for someone. Therefore, the message contained in it could be conveyed more effectively. And you don’t have to spend a fortune on a beautifully designed letter. They are affordable yet still can make valentine’s day special. 

 

2. Dinner at home. 

Who says you have to go out to eat? You can have a romantic candlelight dinner at home having a homemade meal together with your special someone. It does not only save you from the head busting price of a meal in a fancy restaurant, but you and your partner can also have a more personal romantic dinner time together without the need to worry about what to wear and just enjoy your time cooking together and reminiscing your memories in more comfortable surroundings. 

 

3. DIY gifts. 

Instead of buying super expensive gifts why not take the time and effort to give your partner a gift that you create yourself. It can be a photobook that contains pictures of your memories together with your partner along with a few heartfelt messages. You can also handmade a bracelet that marks your relationship milestone. Handmade gifts certainly will not look as good as diamonds or any other lavish gifts, but it carries more sentimental values and way cheaper. 

 

4. Spend time together. 

You don’t have to reserve a fancy place just to celebrate valentine’s day together with your partner. You can just simply spend time together at home watching movies, chatting with each other, play games or other simple activities that you both can enjoy. Valentine’s day is not about buying gifts, it is more about spending time with each other and show your partner how much they mean to you. It can also save your money and time to make a reservation at a restaurant. 

 

5. Gift of service. 

Another creative idea that you can use on valentine’s day is a gift of service. You can create your own coupon book that contains the things you would do for your partner, such as doing the laundry for a week, washing a car, an hour massage and many other romantic gestures that don’t cost you anything and what your partner maybe hate to do. It’s a simple everyday chore that can touch your partner’s heart and when you offer the service to help do it for them, that is an offer they can’t resist and be thankful for. 

 

6. Take them for fun activity. 

Instead of taking your partner to a restaurant, why not take them to go bowling, take a walk or maybe take her on a hike instead? Doing outdoor activity surrounded by nature is a good change of air of what usually been done on Valentine’s Day. You can share a good conversation while taking pictures with beautiful nature scenery as a background. 

 

At the end of the day, you don’t need to empty your wallet to impress the one you love. Just giving your time and show your feelings through a simple handwritten letter or handmade gift can make them feel appreciated and make the day more memorable.  

Sometimes, small simple things are more meaningful than something lavish. You just need to have a little bit of effort, time and creativity to make a simple thing special for your loved ones.

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Don’t have the Raiz App? 

Download it for free in the App store: 

Important Information

The information on this website is general advice only. This means it does not consider any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or investment needs. If you are an investor, you should consult your licensed adviser before acting on any information contained in this article to fully understand the benefits and risk associated with the Raiz product.

The information on this website is confidential. It must not be reproduced, distributed or disclosed to any other person. The information is based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice. This will impact the accuracy of the information.

Under no circumstances is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of deciding about investing in Raiz.

The past return performance of the Raiz product should not be relied on for deciding to invest in Raiz and is not a good predictor of future performance.

Most of the young people don’t have a high income but the expenses still not small. When we think about investment, suddenly we feel afraid and have a lot of reason not to invest, right? 

Maybe it is because we misunderstood and feel difficult to start investing. Here are five common myths about investing as young people: 

1. You must be rich to start investing

Not necessary.  Thanks to many investments’ method available today, now you can use only a small chunk of your income for investment. For example, with Raiz, you can start investing as low as RM0.50. 

2. Too young to make investment

Investment is a long game and not suitable if you want a fast return for your investment. Hence, earlier you start, earlier you might get the return. 

3. Too risky to young people

Understandably, young people are very sensitive to price and very cautious when spending their money. The investment seems unrealistic to do when thinking about living expenses.  

Like said before, you must start earlier to invest. To avoid loss and reduce the risk, knowledge is key. It will help you to choose which one suitable for you. Maybe if you are not a risk-taker like other normal young people, you can choose the conservative type of portfolio.

4. I don’t have much time and knowledge about certain market

Not necessary must be you single-handedly know everything, analyze data and pick which market to invest. You can just fund your money according to your portfolio and will be managed on your behalf. 

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Don’t have the Raiz App? 

Download it for free in the App store: 

Important Information

The information on this website is general advice only. This means it does not consider any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or investment needs. If you are an investor, you should consult your licensed adviser before acting on any information contained in this article to fully understand the benefits and risk associated with the Raiz product.

The information on this website is confidential. It must not be reproduced, distributed or disclosed to any other person. The information is based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice. This will impact the accuracy of the information.

Under no circumstances is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of deciding about investing in Raiz.

The past return performance of the Raiz product should not be relied on for deciding to invest in Raiz and is not a good predictor of future performance.

It’s one of those eternal financial questions with no easy answer — is it better to focus on earning more or prioritise spending less? 

While most personal finance advice focuses on cutting expenses, it’s also a good financial strategy to find ways to boost your earnings. Or, ideally, do both at the same time. 

 

Spending less 

There’s no reason to wait on cutting your spending back — you can spend less immediately. It doesn’t take any special financial knowledge and you can start right now. 

For instance, think about scaling back your discretionary spending. This will look different for different people, but it could include cutting back on buying takeaway lunches, cancelling unused subscriptions or returning those fancy sneakers you just bought online. 

If you’re serious, it also helps to distinguish what you need from what you want, especially in a society that suffers from so-called “affluenza”. By taking a good look at this, you may also be able to significantly reduce your weekly and monthly outgoings. 

However, there is a limit, especially for Malaysians living in an urban centre like Kuala Lumpur, where the cost of living is high. If this is you, it’s likely your fixed costs — things like rent and transport — could be tough to dramatically reduce. 

Earning more

The benefit of earning more isn’t hard to see — the more you earn, the more financial options you have, which potentially puts you on a path to financial security and abundance. However, one downside of aiming to earn more is that it involves risk. 

Often, looking to earn more involves stepping out of your comfort zone, whether that means retraining, changing jobs, starting your own company, or going out solo as a freelancer in the gig economy. 

Also, just because you earn more doesn’t mean you’ll have more money at the end of the day. Sometimes it’s the case that you end up spending more when your earnings increase, making fiscal discipline all the more important as you climb the ladder of wealth. 

Why not spend less and earn more?

Remember, there’s always the danger that you end up having less time — and inferior quality of life — if your increased earnings mean you end up working around the clock. 

Ultimately, it’s about balance. Aim to get to a point where you have enough money to spend on the things you love to do while working at a healthy and sustainable level. 

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