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Money Basics

Start Saving Today and Glow-Up Your Future

CIMB ❘ 29 Sep 2025

2 min(s) read

Adulting is hard, but your bank account doesn’t have to suffer while you figure things out.

Whether you are working full-time, freelancing or still planning your next move, starting your savings game is the ultimate glow-up. The earlier you begin, the faster your money grows and the sooner you can enjoy financial freedom or that early retirement you have been dreaming of!

Here’s your straight to the point savings starter pack to help you get there:

Step 1:

Set Your Glow-Up Goal (Your WHY)

Saving just to save gets boring real quick, try attaching a vibe to it:

Solo trip to Korea
Financial freedom – no sweat, no stress over money
The latest iPhone
RM5k emergency fund
Retiring comfortably by 40

💡Tip: Write it in your Notes app, screenshot and set it as lockscreen.

Step 2:

Pick Your Savings Avatar

No one-size-fits-all here, what’s your vibe?

Auto-Pilot Saver

Schedule an auto-transfer of a fixed amount to your savings account every payday so it’s gone before you can touch it.

The Goal Getter

Create multiple “savings pots” for different goals.

Rhythm Saver

Saves a consistent amount each month and top up when there’s extra in the month

Step 3:

Choose Your Budget Rule

Plug-and-play one that fits your lifestyle. Start simple and adjust as you learn.

50/30/20 Rule: 50% Needs, 30% Wants, 20% Savings/Investment

60/10/10/20 Rule (For Irregular Income Earners): Needs / Fun / Debts or Giveback / Save

Lazy Budget: Save 10 – 30% first and spend the rest however you want

💡 Still not clear? Click here to read up on our lit budgeting tips.

Step 4:

Build That Emergency Fund First

Before chasing that financial freedom or early retirement dream, secure your emergency funds. Think of this as your “break-glass” money for actual emergencies like job loss, broken laptop or unexpected bills.

Start small: RM500 → RM1,000 → RM3,000 until you reach the required amount.

💡 Tip: Not sure how much you need? Check out our simple math guide.

Step 5:

Make it A Habit + Squad Up

You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be consistent. Choose your savings style and budget rule and stick to it.

Save small but regularly and celebrate small wins (even RM50/month counts!)

Friendly peer pressure helps you stay on track and keeps savings fun. Create a group chat with friends and share your savings progress. Do a monthly dare for the lowest saver.

💡 Tip: Saving is easier when it is a part of your lifestyle - not a boring chore.

Summary:

Your Cheat Sheet

Step	What To Do	Pro Tip
1	Set your why	Save for something you really care about
2	Pick a savings method	Auto-transfer works best for lazy savers
3	Use the budget rule that fits you	Try 50/30/20 rule if starting out
4	Snowball your savings	Start small, increase weekly
5	Emergency funds first	Even RM500 helps you sleep better
6	Make it a habit	Turn it into a vibe, not a chore

You don’t need to earn 5-figures to start saving. You just need a goal, a method, and the guts to keep going. The earlier you roll your snowball, the bigger it’ll be when you need it.

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.