With the increase in the price of goods and a global recession expected to take place in 2023, most of us can hardly survive with the minimum wage of RM1,500. But if we were given an extra RM500, are we able to make it through every month?
Recently, in the Facebook group KL娱乐站, a Malaysian shared his take on surviving in KL with RM2,000 monthly, which, to him, is possible if and ONLY IF you follow these 7 steps, some of which may sound far-fetched.
1. Say NO to a relationship
“If you’re smart, you’ll spend on yourself and not your partner.”
He said that if we were not in a relationship, we would’ve saved half of our monthly wages, and given how hectic working life can be, spending the money on someone else is just not worth it.
2. Starbucks? Restaurants? Movies? Pass
Working life can be stressful, and it’s only common for us to go for coffee or a nice meal after work to “blow off some steam”. However, the man does not think so. Instead of spending on things that can be avoided, he said that we should just head straight home after work to avoid from spending unnecessarily.
“If you’re bored, just look at the sky or just imagine you’re on a vacation. Won’t take you long to end the day.”
3. Rental for the win
“Why let the bank earn from interests?”
When it comes to shelter, the man thinks it’s wiser to just rent in order for us to survive with RM2,000 on a monthly basis. Just in case we happen to grow bored of our rented house, it’s much easier to leave and find a new place.
4. Show some love for public transport
Despite the flaws in Malaysia’s public transportation system, the man said that we can save a lot of money by taking public transport or simply carpooling with others.
“No parking ticket, no car maintenance, no parking spots hassle.”
Aside from public transport, he also encouraged people to cycle to work.
5. Sleep
Sleep is undeniably “therapeutic”, especially after a long day, but the man sees it as an alternative to save a lot of money.
“Just open the windows, save electricity bills. And wear the same clothes for a few days before you wash it.”
He also suggested washing the clothes with bare hands instead of relying on a washing machine.
6. Eat simple less
Next, he also encouraged people to consume as less food as possible while at a restaurant.
“Just an egg and some gravy will do.”
To save more money, he also avoids office gatherings (unless sponsored) or visiting fancy cafes. Social events, such as weddings and other activities can also be avoided.
7. No social life
“Just disappear after you clock out from work.”
In order to survive, the man believes that social life should be minimised as much as possible, which can avoid us from buying gifts for colleagues and relatives.
If we don’t have many commitments, we may be able to survive with RM2,000 every month. But do you think these 7 steps are possible to follow? How do you ensure your finance is on track every month?
