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Money Basics

Duit In, Duit Out: How To Budget Like A Boss

CIMB ❘ 30 Oct 2025

3 min(s) read

Let’s be honest – no one wants to live like a hermit just to save RM200. You still want your boba, weekend café hopping, Shopee hauls and squad trips.

Good news: you can save and still live your best life and all you need is just a budget that matches your vibes.

Why Most Budgets Fail (And How Yours Won’t)

🚩IF YOU’RE DOING THESE…	✅ TRY THESE INSTEAD
Always feel broke by Week 2	Split your budget by week, not by month
Cancelled all joy – you’ll rebel!	Budget in “fun duit” like RM100 for guilt-free treats
Didn’t track where the duit went	Do a quick duit check-in weekly
Copied someone else’s “payday routine”	Build a budget that matches your lifestyle

Pick a Budget Formula

Start with one, tweak as you go. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” formula.

50/30/20 Rule - Classic but Gold

Simple, flexible and easy to remember
Perfect for stable income earners e.g with monthly salary

💡Tip: Use auto-transfer for the 20% right after payday so you don’t “accidentally” spend it

60/10/10/20 Rule - For Side Gig + Hustle Life

Helps those with side gigs or variable income to adjust spending without guilt
Separates “fun” from “needs” clearly
Gives room for both generosity and growth!

💡Tip: Use percentages instead of fixed RM amounts so your budget auto-scales when your income goes up or down

Pay Yourself First Budget - For Lazy but Smart Savers

Best solution for people who don’t want to micro-manage every category
Forces you to prioritize savings over impulse spending
Easy to automate: Set up a standing instruction to another account

💡Tip: Give your savings account a nickname like “Japan Trip Fund” to stay motivated!

Smart Spending Hacks

You don’t have to downgrade your lifestyle to save money, just be strategic.

🚩IF YOU’RE DOING THESE…	✅ TRY THESE INSTEAD
Weekday RM18 café latte	RM5 kopitiam kopi on weekdays, RM18 café latte only on weekends.
Paying full price for tickets or rides	My50 travel pass, RM8 cinema tickets, GrabUnlimited deals.
Buying at peak prices	Shop during warehouse sales, outlet malls, and use Hargapedia for price checks
Missing out on rewards	Stack cashback, loyalty points, and promo codes (FavePay, Shopee Coins, e-wallet rewards)

Travel & Hangout Hacks

Trips and lepak sessions don’t have to drain your wallet. Here’s how to enjoy them without overspending.

🚩IF YOU’RE DOING THESE…	✅ TRY THESE INSTEAD
Travelling during school/public holidays	Go off-peak for 20–40% cheaper flights & stays
Paying full price for activities	Klook/KKday promo codes + bank card discounts.
Covering all costs solo	Plan squad trips to share Airbnb stays and Grab rides

Side Hustle for Fun Money

Instead of cutting your fun budget, create extra income just for it.

IF YOU WANT MORE FUN DUIT BUT…	✅ HERE’S HOW
You think side hustles are “extra work”	Offer services you already enjoy (graphic design, tutoring, video editing)
Your closet is full of unused items	Sell pre-loved on Carousell, IG thrift shops, flea markets
Your hobbies cost you money	Monetise them — sell cookies, event photography, livestream gaming

Saving doesn’t mean cutting out all the fun. Keep spending on what you love, but set aside money in a separate savings account so your future goals stay on track. That way, you can enjoy your kopi, concerts and weekend trips today, while still building your duit for tomorrow.

References:

This article is for informational purposes only and CIMB does not make any representation and warranty as to the accuracy, completeness and fairness of any information contained in this article. As this article is general in nature, it is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. You are advised to consult a financial advisor or investment professional before making any decisions based on the information contained in this article. CIMB assumes no liability for any consequences arising from your reliance on the information presented here.