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You’ve just gotten your first (or fifteenth) paycheck. Time to reward yourself with some good food, shopping spree and a pampering massage! Hold on, is it sustainable to splurge every month with almost nothing left before the next payday? What if there’s a sudden emergency or unexpected expense and you need extra cash?

 

Let’s get financially healthier this year! Here are 5 good #PayDay habits you can adopt to become a more financially savvy adult:

Pay off debts

 

Whether it’s your PTPTN, credit cards or car loans, it’s important to pay off your debts as soon as you get your salary. If you feel that you’d rather park your money in some investments – consider this first, is your debt interest/charges higher than your investment interest/profit? If the former is higher, you might want to prioritise reducing that. Debts are like your toxic ex...it is a never-ending cycle and it will eventually leave you questioning your self-worth (but in monetary terms), so it’s best to cut both these out of your life as soon as you can.

Start an emergency fund

Being a working adult, earning your own paycheck and having the freedom to choose how you spend your cash can be cool – but that also means you are fully responsible for yourself, physically, mentally and financially.

 

Should anything happen, for example, if your car breaks down, your laptop gone kaput and needs to be fixed, or you get a police summon for illegal parking – you’ll have to pay those hefty bills yourself. That’s why it’s important to start an emergency fund, so that you have a Plan B to ensure you won’t hit a financial rock bottom. 

Invest for your future

We all know that the prices of everything (except our salary) increases overtime. If you want to be financially-savvy and navigate your adult life like a boss, then you should start investing n-o-w.

 

Investing may help your money beat inflation and grow faster, so that you can retire comfortably someday or even reach financial freedom early and complete your bucket list. Whether it’s to travel the world or to start a business, investing can help you reach your money goals faster so you don’t have to be stuck in a jam, or a 9-5 (usually more) job till you’re old and gray.

 

Set aside money for monthly expenses

As our moms always say, “the bill is not going to pay itself”. Do remember to prepare a budget for all your monthly expenses, like phone bills, daily makan expenses, your pet’s makanan and your must-have subscriptions – such as gym, Spotify or Netflix. This is important so that you don’t overspend and end up in a negative as soon as you get your salary. Setting aside money for your monthly expenses will also give you an idea of whether you’re earning enough or spending too much, which can help you plan your finances better.

Treat yourself

Being a full-time working adult can be tiring. At the end of the day, we should always remember to take care of ourselves, which can come in the form of a nice meal with your bae, a staycation or new clothes during the double-digit sales. Of course, you should only spend what you earn, and within your capabilities. Check out our PAYDAY DEALS to maximise your treats and get the best bang for your buck!

 

Adulting is a full-time job, made even tougher during the pandemic. Being financially-savvy is a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have enough money to invest, or pay off your debts yet. Just focus on taking small steps in the right direction, one step at a time.

 

 

 

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.