How You Duit? is a recurring feature on CompareHero.my’s blog, where we ask 10 questions on personal finance habits of our fellow Malaysians. This round, we dive into the wallets of our very own Marketing & Content Team.
Kee Hong: No, I don’t usually do it for Christmas. In money-saving mode so not prepared to spend on Christmas gifts this year either.
Lord: It depends, but if I do, it’s probably more towards spending on a Christmas dinner - RM300?
Vino: Yes of course i do! This year i have set aside RM300. But this includes presents for the entire family. I'm the thrifty Santa!
Zoë: I’ve budgeted a maximum of RM500 for gifts. Mostly are just little gestures wrapped beautifully so there’s excitement when unwrapping their gifts.
Kee Hong: Good food and drinks, a night of movie marathon with my friends. You don’t need to spend a lot to have a good time with good company.
Lord: A nice hearty Christmas dinner for the family or with friends.
Vino: Food, Drinks, Food, Movie oh and did I mention food?
Zoë: Food and groceries for Christmas day lunch at my home.
Kee Hong: Don’t remember….. probably never given any so far.
Lord: I… don’t think I’ve ever given one...
Vino: Hand Phone (Not so expensive one)
Zoë: A new fridge! It was a combined gift for my parents. It didn’t fit under the tree and I had to purchase it with an EPP (easy payment plan).
Kee Hong: Departmental stores such as Parkson, Isetan, Aeon, occasionally S&J Gift Shop for quirky stuff.
Lord: Daiso and Mr. DIY - hands down! It’s the thought that counts… right?
Vino: Giant! Just kidding. Daiso, Brands Outlet
Zoë: Daiso! And Shopee.
Kee Hong: I’m heading to Bangkok to celebrate 2019 New Year with my girlfriend. It has sort of become our annual ritual by now and I really look forward to it.
Lord: No, it’s usually just hanging around KL. The crowd is crazy lah!
Vino: Rare. Mostly house parties. Jam Jam Jam! Love BBQ too!
Zoë: It’s too expensive and too crowded to go anywhere for Christmas or New Year. I have however planned a short and cheap getaway after the crowd disperses, first weekend of January.
Kee Hong: Rich people spend money to save time; poor people waste time to save on money. Sometimes it is worth paying a premium to save you a lot of time and trouble.
Lord: I learnt that just simply saving money isn’t enough. Do something with it, like investing.
Vino: Before you buy ask yourself (Do you RREEEEAAAAAALLLY need it?)
Zoë: I learnt to make an an effort to use the coupons, vouchers, discounts and rebates from apps and loyalty programs. I can easily say I’ve saved over RM1000 in 2018.
Kee Hong: I am still struggling to save up enough emergency funds, in preparation for future rainy days.
Lord: Paying for an overpriced watch battery in a brick & mortar store instead of just buying it online at 1/5th of the in-store price. Never going back there.
Vino: Buying a silly gym equipment that I still don't know how to use!
Zoë: Not investing in gold and P2P. I should have but I was just too lazy to do it.
Kee Hong: I don’t have any impulse buy this year lol. I did buy more clothes, but clothes are a necessity :P
Lord: An action camera that I don’t think I have been using as much as I should.
Vino: Eau de Parfum ( More expensive than the usual ones i buy)
Zoë: Hair treatment serums from US. Also turned out to be the best buy I made this year. Has saved my hair from disintegrating because of the numerous bleaching sessions.
Kee Hong: No and I’m not proud of it
Lord: Money-wise, no. But I have been donating my older clothes and toys away :D
Vino: Skip! Next question please
Zoë: No. (*Feeling really embarrassed now)
Kee Hong: Build a good stash of rainy day fund and generate passive income streams online.
Lord: Increase my investments and having a less-cluttered life.
Vino:To save 50% of my income (I kinda think i can do it- fingers crossed)
Zoë: Start diversifying investments. It’s never too late to start and I need to continue building my retirement fund.
