What's the first thing you'd do if a large sum of money suddenly landed in your bank account? Many of us would probably think about buying a home, paying off debts, or setting up an investment for the future. It’s the kind of windfall that should pave the way for long-term security.
However, a recent viral story on Threads about a Malaysian family shows how easily a dream scenario can turn sour without a proper plan. A woman shared the difficult story of her mother, who received a massive RM800,000 inheritance. In just twelve months, nearly all of it vanished, leaving a powerful lesson for all of us about the true meaning of wealth.
A Fortune Spent Without a Plan
According to the daughter, the money disappeared without leaving anything lasting behind. Her mother didn't buy property, start a business, or even save for a pilgrimage to Mecca. Instead, the money was spent so freely that only a small fraction remains.
The daughter explained that her mother had never handled such a large sum before. Because she didn't earn the money through her own hard work, she didn't feel the weight of its value. It was like a flood of cash that she didn't know how to control. The daughter tried to advise her, but her words of caution went unheard.
Good Intentions Can Lead to Bad Outcomes
You might think the money was lost to gambling or a risky investment scheme, but that wasn't the case. The daughter clarified that her mother spent the money on things that were permissible, or halal. The problem wasn't what she spent it on, but the lack of planning and control.
For example, her mother once bought ten cows for a religious sacrifice, an act of generosity that felt more for show than for genuine charity. She also lent a friend RM50,000, believing it would be invested for a return. That money was never seen again. Her mother's generosity became her financial weakness, as she would give money to anyone who asked, without ever expecting to be paid back.
When you do the math, spending RM800,000 in a year works out to nearly RM67,000 a month. That’s a huge amount of money to go through with nothing to show for it in the end.
A Lesson in Smart Financial Planning
As the story went viral, many people online shared their thoughts on what could have been done differently. Many pointed out that with a bit of planning, the money could have provided a steady income for years to come.
One user on Threads said that instead of spending the entire amount, she could have placed it in savings or investment funds like Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) or Tabung Haji. These funds pay out yearly dividends, which are like earning a salary from your savings. By living off these dividends, the original RM800,000 would have remained untouched, continuing to generate income for the rest of her life.
(source: Threads)
This Is a Story Many Families Know Too Well
What makes this story so powerful is that it’s not unique. Many other Malaysians chimed in with their own family experiences of sudden wealth being wasted. One person shared how their father sold nearly RM1 million worth of inherited land and property, leaving nothing for his children, who then had to take out loans for their education.
Another heartbreaking story came from someone whose father spent RM800,000 from an insurance payout in just two months. Soon after, the family home was mortgaged, and the cars were sold. The family was left with nothing, relying on social security and the mother’s income to survive.
(source: Threads)
These stories all share a common theme. Sudden money, whether from an inheritance, insurance, or selling property, can be a huge test. Without a basic understanding of how to manage finances, a blessing can quickly become a burden, affecting not just one person but the entire family for generations. It’s a powerful reminder to all of us to learn about managing money, so we can build a secure future for ourselves and our loved ones.
(Source: Threads)
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