Debt vs Managing Finances

By Eric Siew
May 12, 2020

Many used to think that doctors are rich. I hope so too, but unfortunately, I'm not.

Say bye-bye, the days where doctors are one of the top-tiered professions.

So I try, very hard, not to go into "heavy" debts.

I learnt it the hard way, during my schooling days, I was not taught how to manage my finance. I know how to kira duit, but I don't know how to guna duit.

1. Debit/credit cards

Tapping everywhere? Oh yes, seronok but now, I carry one card, others buried 10-ft under.

Set a limit. Avoid buying items I don't need and delay that impulse to buy.

2. Housing loans

This is actually good debt. It forces me to be responsible.

The rule is, to keep the instalment 1/3 or less of our pay.

Initially, my instalment is >50% of my pay, the only medicine I could afford was air suam, bad move.

3. Car loans

Some say buying a car is dumb. In Malaysia, it's a necessity, when we have a family.

Don't get a BMW when all you need is a Myvi.

I took over my parent's 10-year old car when they retired and fixed it back to shape. Cost a bomb, but I avoided car loans.

4. Invest in thyself

With the extra cash in hand, don't la keep in the bank.

Invest in a course or a skill. I use that as a hustle to earn more.

We may have enough, we just have to use it wisely.

Any other money tips to share?

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