I know this is easier said than done, but .

to earn more - upgrade your skillset, certs, 2nd jobs, etc . tiktok/ editing video skills is good too .

be frugal and cut spending

avoid MLM/ get rich quick scheme  . invest in relatively safe n low risk if you are still learning  . anything promise >11-15% annual return yearly is a scam . 

Gold- publicgold / kwsp /EPF / asb / TH

skip those high risk /medium risk first if you don't know what you are doing like stock market /etc . those can be learned with time. Even stuff like public mutual, avoid it since the agent commision fee is too high . learn to trade yourself .

avoid property investment like a plague. very hard to get it right .

Hope the best for you .

I don't know much about figma and web design with how much time you will be spending per day -

if you are willing to go for side hustles with extra time you have

If you are around 20-30+, you can actually start putting self contribution into EPF to locked the money away. Sometimes it helps to discipline yourself on money management when you force the money to be locked away. Even as little as it is, you can still see it grow. Once you get the habit of doing it, it's always a win for you.

1. Spend lesser than income

2. Invest the excess cash

3. Don't touch the money investment no matter what

Rinse and repeat

Step by step

1. Start with RM1000 saving (in bank enough)
2. Then go with 6month net salary saving (save somewhere like asb, fd, tabung haji, make sure you can still make withdrawal)

If you manage pass step 2, most probably you already in m40 class.

3. Start saving in somewhere when can get tax refund (SSPN, PRS)
4. Then start learning medium risk investment. Personally recommend Public gold.

Further than that, no advise as i not yet pass the step 4.

Currently I just put some $ in EPF & S&P500 (You can learn all about throwing money into S&P500 here)

My retired uncle told me why he gamble ..
He say after deduct everything he left about 500-700.
500-600 can do what ?! Lama lama jadi bukit ah ??
So he take it to gamble in Genting..
Sometime lucky win few k...if not lose all 500...

Still not too late actually. Remember every RM 100 you put in your can actually take out RM 10 as it goes to flexible account, so it's not 100% locked. But the good thing is you currently still get the same dividend rate as the other accounts.  At 40++, you just need to treat it as a long FD as the funds will be assessible when you reach retirement.
Remember you can offset your income tax with these.

publicgold - gold saving n buying account . had it since 2015, just park money there, they have GAP (gold accumulation program), can buy slowly the gold.

just consistent every month and let the money be there .

TH is tabung haji

Open fundsupermart account, invest in S&P 500 ETF through RSP (minimum rm100 per month)

Don't leave large amount of money in savings account. It generate no or little interest.

For a start, transfer to fd. It gives something better than savings. Just leave some for emergency.

Worst part getting old is not having a roof over your head and getting squeeze by landlord. Money little nvm, as long body healthy, eat less quality still can survive.

Invest in stock market,
S&P500 for growth,
Maybank or other banking stock for dividend
Medium risk, Tech stock , Nvidia, Apple etc

What skills do you have? TnG daily interest is not meaningful just skip it.

remember fat mau landlord want to increase the rent. I think should buy a condo/apart or apply for rumahwip.Once get older nobody want to rent to oldman.Learn is good, but i feel learn something related/similiar to your work industry even better for you to build up not only your career
hope fat mau can share more with me

Investing in stock market can be as risky as gambling. Make sure you have at least 6 months of emergency fund secured first. Then search for "Bogleheads" to learn about the long-term stock investment strategy.

The only way to make it big is crypto.
Buy very little at start (since its near peak) then increment for every 5% drop.  Stick the top 3 crypto.  Thanks me in 2035

You can start with any amount la.  Not ask to u buy 1 BTC

EPF if you are in the 5 0 club
Gather stocks that pays dividend, Bank stocks are safe bets
Your daily cash put in ewallet for daily interest
Many will disagree, but parking in BTC long term is medium risk with high or fast return
Dont spend on drinks
Use My50.

A proper investment in stock market require alot of study and understanding, u need to learn how to read the financial report, understanding the market trend, basic economy knowledge, and also strong mental quality (some people can't handle the stress when the violation of stock market and make mistake).

I start investing into fund in my earlier 20's, but the return doesn't really convincing. When I've more capital and I'm more comfortable financially in my late 20's, i start investing into stock market. I'm now stably earning from stock market, but it took me about 5+- years to get me into this status, as what I mentioned above, it took alot of effort to understanding the market. If u think u have the time and motivation for what I mentioned above, u can slowly pickup.

If u think u just simply don't have the time, or mental quality to do it, I would suggest like what many already suggested here, just invest in S&P 500, or NASDAQ 100, create an account and chip in money every month. This is what i would suggest to my friend whoever that think they are not capable to deal with the stock market.

The logic is simple, buying S&P 500/NASDAQ 100 is buying the fortune of US, as long as US still the world's leading powerhouse, their economy will continue grow, we are just ridding the trend by participating. Ofcoz S&P 500/NASDAQ 100 can fall during bear market, but in long term, 10-20 years, it's always grow, unless one day US are no longer the leading powerhouse, then u should reconsider this investment plan.

B40, no invest, only work...
slowly hop job, until salary M40.
money only keep in epf & property...

Bro u should utilise from here. Do more freelance/ small business.
if have enough money then Invest something easy like US etf, the main cryptos, gold etc.
Prudent personal finance .what else u need.

Without extra saving for investment there is no way u can climb from m40 to t20 through investment. The only way is set up your own business/ or have high position stable career or corporate job.

Even setup your own business have a thousand way like become YouTuber/ content creator etc .

Unker... If you don't know how to manage your money go find financial advisor help you. For a small fee they help you fix your life and show you the way.

At most cost you rm2k if your case very messy. Better than follow some ktards advice.

If you really srs one just pm me I give you a contact of someone I know.

You need money to make money. You need both high savings rate and high earnings to kick start your investment journey.

Live life like the strictest B40 where every Sen also count. No subscription. Astro, netflix auto-pay nothing. Buy and use the cheapest android phone you can afford. Don't be ashamed.

No mlm/direct selling, crypto, get rich quick investment scheme.

Use the savings above to invest in S&P500 or QQQ or IUIT (UK version of QQQ) every single month. Come.back after min of 10 years. Market red or green, keep buying. If red, buy the f*****g dip even if it's a multiple dip.

There is no short cut. Stock? Crypto? Unit trust? Stop hearing this…If no people go in….they can’t earn money….with the little money…forget it…..

Money is earn from the People.
Either u invest in what you good at or
By now..should have friends…tak akan no friend….ask your surrounding successful friend ….see can join or help.

That is not friend. Is hi and bye friend. These friend got or not also never mind. Have a strong inner self.

Real friend is connected by your energy. Real friend won’t leave when they see you less successful.

I was B40 before. I took metrobus to work in early 2000s

The best thing to do is to invest in yourself, and to invest in knowledge

Find what you like to do, what you are good at doing and what pays well for doing it

It took me a while, but I learned a new skill and became better with it until it was worth something

Investment with little money isn't going to give you a lot of returns, unless it is risky investments or gambling

I suggest you first take a step back and think what works best for you

property low cost also can buy, 50k-100k still can find...
just pay booking to agent, find lawyer & take 100% bank loan...
ez lh... the hard part, dont buy wrong property lh...

unker now financially worry about what?
retire later stay with school friend lh if no family...

AI reply unker....

Thank you for clarifying — being around 60, without family support and while struggling financially, changes things a bit. At this stage, the priority is **security, dignity, and maintaining health**, while avoiding being overwhelmed.

Here’s a tailored approach for your situation:

---

## 🧩 1. Secure Basic Needs

* **Food Assistance**: In Malaysia, you can apply for *Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR)* or *Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM)* aid. Some mosques, temples, and NGOs run food banks (*bank makanan*).
* **Shelter/Housing**:

  * If rent is a problem, look into *Rumah PPR (Program Perumahan Rakyat)* low-cost housing.
  * Some NGOs and religious organizations help elderly individuals with temporary housing.

---

## 🧩 2. Financial Options for Seniors

* **Government Assistance**:

  * *Bantuan Warga Emas* (JKM) gives RM500/month to elderly without steady income.
  * *eKasih program* may provide cash and food aid if you are registered as low-income.
* **Part-Time Work (Light)**:

  * Light jobs such as security guard, shop assistant, food delivery (if health allows), or even online tasks (teaching, translation, tutoring).
  * Some NGOs also provide small livelihood projects for seniors.

---

## 🧩 3. Health & Wellbeing

* **Healthcare**: Government hospitals and clinics (*Klinik Kesihatan*) charge very minimal fees for seniors.
* **Daily Care**: Even small daily walks, stretching, or light gardening help keep mobility and mood better.
* **Mental Health**: Loneliness is real. Try:

  * Joining local *surau/masjid activities, senior citizen clubs, or NGO volunteering*.
  * Talking regularly with neighbours or community members.

---

## 🧩 4. Build a Social Safety Net (Without Family)

* **Community**: Being part of a mosque, church, temple, or NGO group can create a “chosen family” of support.
* **Volunteering**: Even if small, it brings meaning and connections — and sometimes support networks for emergencies.
* **Support Groups**: There are elderly community centres (*Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas*) that provide activities and a social circle.

---

## 🧩 5. Protect Yourself

* Keep important documents (IC, medical records, bank info) safe and organized.
* If possible, talk to a social worker (JKM has them) who can help register you for multiple aid programs.
* Avoid scams — older people are often targeted.

---

👉 The key is: **use community + government support, maintain health, and find light ways to stay active and connected.** You don’t have to face everything alone, even without family.

---

Assuming you’re in your 40s/50s, average to low wage with not much savings and have no plans to leave your stable job.

1. Invest in low risk financial instruments, ETF, EPF etc, do not allocate a big portion of your asset to crypto and penny stocks as you can’t handle the risk at your age and income level. Be defensive and maintain a 20/80 10/90 ratio of high risk/low risk investments.

2. If you don’t have dependents, consider career change. If you do have dependents, consider upgrading yourself and look for a new job. At 6% return per year, you need 100k to earn 500 a month but 500 a month is just a job change away.

3. Network more, with quality people a level or two above you, no peers.

4. Do not waste time seeking advice from people who aren’t successful at making money themselves, no gurus.

hello, we have a dedicated bogleheads thread at lowyat yo

make sure you say hello there =)

and yes ts, many good advice here. Maybe i'll add in, but a more philosophical one.

take care of the downside, the upside will take care of itself.

being age 40+, means defensive d. If really want jump class b40 m40, you can use barrel strat

90% safe, 10% risk

10% is ultra high risk like 0dte spy (oh no i hope im not encouraging ppl here do all in their lifesavings on tjis). reddit wallstreetbets are examples how you see ppl lose daily. Sort 'loss' and read them. They pay real tuition fee, you learn lesson from them.

Contrary to many advices here which suggest more hustle, more work, i'd say just lazer focus on one niche

if you gooding in plumbing, perfect it. But too much physical, so need gear toward softer side (e.g., teach ppl plumbing etc).

AI era, too hard d. Job loss mounting in coming years. Blue collars super hardpress with daily whatsapp msg come in after work hour. You no perform you out. Many customer service now oursource AI je. Graphics design gg. Copywriter? Hello chatgpt. You see the reading on the wall. Get PRACTICAL skill.

Even flip roti canai is practical because AI can't take that yet at least for 5-10 years. Wait AI robotics come in, gone case semua job career.

OK getting long. Some of you getting my personal pm inquiring about your investing preference (for my academic research) hehe.

TLDR ayam half bucket only so blow water here.

My PERSONAL view / goal :

1. Learn and "go-all-out" like crazy when young (age 26-40) .. be it getting extra qualification, shit learn lesson from working etc. Why I put age 26 onwards because that's when I graduated with my sister because I'm rich to have such lifestyle to not graduate young .. so don't ask me why.

2. My focus is getting my 1st MILLION in EPF, I know others have different thought, other option I also have is ASN (stop contributing aleady except for fun when feels like it) .. I did not put into FD as I feel my high interest saving account is better ..

3. Stop spending uncessary like I do (i.e shop every weekend, minimize  going to restaurant for meal during lunch time by changing to cheaper lunch partner sometime, and do not start expensive hobby like MTG or even buy expensive unessary "shit" then keep in storeroom)

I read a few self-help books, authored by Marcus Buckingham. The thing about reading books is that it is very generic. It's only powerful when you are able to apply the knowledge

For example:
I can't cook, don't like to talk to people much, like to sit in front of my computer whole day.
I like to do puzzles, figure out algorithm and to fix software bugs
I had an IT degree but was working in IT support answering calls, and I decided a software developer was the best career for me
I check the vacancies market, there was a demand of Java developers at that time. I then learned how to do programming myself with some online resources
Managed to switch jobs, accepted low pay in a small company to start with so I can get some real experience
Fast forward 5 years, salary doubled and 10 years later working in UK now

Only you yourself can determine what works best for you. Maybe you are an excellent cook, or a salesperson or a mechanic. Maybe you are not there yet but can be good at it but you are just doing the wrong thing.
Being near the top in every industry normally pays well. Top footballer, top sales person, top cook.

What works for me might not work for you because we are just different people. People told me back then doing sales can make a lot of money, but I'm not a people person. By comparison, by university course mate did do sales, but he was a very introvert guy so that did kindof shock me but he eventually quit because it just didn't suit him well. Not everyone is cut out to be a salesperson, cook, footballer, software developer

So you just need to find the right balance of:
1. What you like to do
2. What you are good at doing
3. What people would pay you good money for doing

Ts I think you not sincere la. Everyone give you suggestions and show you solutions. But every single point also you can deny.

You want to change or not one?

I will give you a motivation. I know a close friend earning like RM2-3k a month. Retired at 55 years old with around RM500k net worth. Person did nothing but dump into FD and only.

The secret sauce live way below B40, cook everyday. But things when on sale. No expensive overseas trip. All second hand stuff.