M’sian Couple Struggles Despite Earning RM20k as Mum-in-Law “Drains” Their Income With Reckless Spending

She and her husband, a commission-based salesperson, earn a combined monthly income of RM15,000 to RM20,000. While she has a steady salary, he relies heavily on commissions, making their finances somewhat unpredictable.

Despite this, they have always tried to live frugally, save money, and plan ahead for their children’s education and future needs.

Unfortunately, the main source of stress is the husband’s mother

She lives with them and spends money without restraint.

Although she has a job, her low income is entirely spent on personal entertainment, leaving her unable to save. Meanwhile, the couple ends up paying for nearly everything, daily living expenses for their family of five, her car instalments, maintenance, insurance, mobile bills, shopping, and even items she purchases during outings.

She treats the family like an unlimited wallet. On one occasion, she picked out an RM300 dress while shopping, and her son paid for it, something the daughter-in-law still struggles to come to terms with.

The contrast between her careful budgeting and her mother-in-law’s reckless spending feels deeply unfair. At times, she even considers the painful option of allowing her mother-in-law to spend freely while the family stops saving altogether, simply to regain some sense of control over where the money goes.