Update: 23Oct 2012 – This event is over.
Are you a fresh graduate? Are you an undergraduate? If yes, I would like to invite you to participate in this project.
I am going to compile a series of money tips so that young graduates can have a head start on their journey to financial independence. My co-author, K.C.Chong and I will be conducting an online training on next week, for a group of young graduates. There are several ways you can participate in this project:
1. Post your questions in the comment section below.
What’s your most important question regarding money? The more specific it is, the more relevant answer we will be able to provide during the training. Are you concern about buying the first car? Are you worrying about not being able to own a home? Shoot us the questions!
It is not just about money. You can ask questions about career advancement and other life values.
2. Click “Like” and share with your friends via email and Facebook.
The more people who learn about this project and post questions here, the better it is for us to really tackle the most concerned financial issue involving young graduates.
3. Register for the live event
We will be conducting the live online training next Tuesday 12pm.To register your spot, click here for more details. Some people had told us that they can’t attend the live event because it is conducted during office hour. I am sorry that we schedule it during office hour because that is the time we work too. Anyway, even if you can’t attend it live, participants are going to get a link to download the video recording. That means you will receive a link through email, where you can download the file to your computer and watch anytime convenient to you.
4. WAIT… you can earn your FREE spot
To sweeten the deal and encourage more participation, we are going to giveaway free registration to the best questions posted below.
Wait WAIT WAIT… let’s make the deal even better. We are going to giveaway free spot to EVERYONE who posts a question below. As long as you post a question, we are going to send you the registration link to the online training. If you’ve already paid the registration fee, we will refund it to you if you post a relevant question in the comment section below. Yes. Believe it. You are getting the best deal.
So don’t wait anymore. Post a question below, click the “Like” button, share this link on Facebook, and email this article to your friends.
See you on the live online training soon.
Note: Click Here to Watch the Replay of the Online Training (only available to Premium Webinar Subscribers)
38 replies to "Money Tips for Young Graduates"
Hi KC,
I love to read your blog, and taking bit by bit advice in the posts.
I am 26 years old, just got married.
I have been working for about 2 years +, and saving not much, since my salary is just about 3k, while my husband 2k+.
Both of us have made personal loan from bank to get married/ settle study loan.
Yeah, we know it is not a good step, but then we did it.
With current situation, we try to save some money from our salary, but then it is quite hard to survive,with car loan, house rental, personal loan bank etc.
We plan to settle our loan bank first before we took another loan for housing payment, which we estimate before we reach 30s, or it is too late to buy one by that time ?
Thank you!
What will be the most important element of money for graduate/fresh grad?
With the salary for Fresh grad, how to allocate it will be the best?
Thanks
The registration link had been sent to all participants. If you didn’t get it yet, please email me.
Thanks for all your participation. I’ll be sending out the registration link for the event on Friday, through email.
Stay tuned!
Hi,
The major problem face by most of the students is the lack of financial management knowledge, including myself. A very simple question, what kind of fundamental knowledge that we should start learning step by step? (Since we all know it is never too late to learn something new especially money which is part of our life, sadly we need to start everything from scratch.)
Hi KC,
If I would like to learn more about investing in commodities, where should I start from?
Thanks.
Hi KC,
Good day. I’m 23 and have started working since March with a monthly salary of around RM3k. Thanks to my parents who have saved up the ang pao money over the years on my behalf, I have paid off my 2nd hand car. Currently, I make it a point to save at least half of my monthly income while the rest are spent on food, petrol, insurance, allowance for my parents and etc.
With my previous savings and the money that I have been actively putting aside, I now have an excess of over 6 months of living expenses. There is also a small sum of money that I have invested in unit trust.
I am currently thinking of investing in REITs to earn passive income via dividends as well as signing up for a regular savings plan with fundsupermart. Would that be a sensible thing to do? If so, how should I segregate my money? Should I place more emphasis on stocks or unit trust.
Also, I am aiming to buy my first property before turning 26. Your feedback is very much appreciated.
Many thanks
Best regards,
SS
1. Car ownership, what the cost and what pro and contra? Get new or second hand? Buy loan or cash(after save several year)
2. What your opinion about home ownership which is expensive and getting more expensive, is their any timing to own house? What the cost to own one.
3. I used PTPTN loan to complete my degree. Recently government in budget 2013 give discount 20% if pay lump sum within a year or 10% discount if pay consistently. Which better?
4. Which insurance(pa/term/cash value/IL) is more suitable for young adult?
Hi,
I just graduate about 1 year and currently working and monthly salary about RM2,000. I found that is hard for me to own a car and apartment before age 30. If I married at age 30, I found that I cannot survive with the salary RM2,000. Further study only will increase my debt and change for better job salary only increase about RM200. I did not have much money for investment, should I go for investment? Any solution to increase my income without affect my current job?
Hi ,i am going to graduate soon in one year time.Looking at the current economic situation in Malaysian and with the rising properties and daily expenses prices ;with an estimated value of start-up of RM 3000(estimated or lower)salary ,how am i going to spend the money which lead me to a great foundation for the future? I love reading Robert Kiyosaki ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ ;which said investment are crucial to asset built.However.i lack the knowledge to invest;which i need to do my homework on it.I will appreciate your feedback if you are in my position(assuming).
Hi KC,
I will graduating in engineering from local university without no debt left. Planning my future capital make me deeply into dilemma as much I read about financial freedom. I can gain 3-4k from my job monthly, now i am 23 if I plan to get married at age of 26 what and how much should I divide my income into needs proportions like into savings, emergency funds, insurance (healthcare ect) and investment (physical and passive). Can you guide me which one come first as I plan to having atleast 2 properties before I get married?
Which is actually better? Working in a small company or a MNC?
Hi There,
I just get a credit cards from few bank recently, while exiting of having 3 credit cards from different bank, i over spend it. On top of it, my other two cards was reaching the over limit. My total credit cards spending are reaching RM14k. I need some advise on how to settle this debt and if i have RM5000, should i invest on stock in order to help me settle my debt faster or could you give me a guide?
Thanks
I’m 24 now and and just graduated a few months ago. I’ve been started invest in physical gold.With RM2.5k-3k of monthly salary, how much proportion of my salary and what should I invest (other) in since I’m don’t have any debt now (except self insurance and for parents allowance). I wish to know any better suggestion and advice to implement and improve my financial? I just wish that money working for me. I would truly appreciate your feedback. Thanks
I am student now..May I know what kind of investment is most safety? As I plan to own a house before 25.
With a RM2k salary, what is your suggested way to divide the salary to reach financial freedom? And what are the ways or steps to take to own a car and a house/condo/apartment before 30 years old? Thank you
Hello there,
I’m a final year Civil engineering student. Knowing that if we were to work in Malaysia, the salary that we get after graduating is pretty low. Hence, I would like to set up my own part time business which could generate more income. More importantly the business could be a money-making machine and at the same time related to what I enjoy doing.
The problem is with the startup capital that i need to have before venture into the business. Thus pls provide me with some advice on how to obtain any forms of funds or financial aids.
Hi KC,
I’m 24 now and I’ve been saving and I started investing in the share market this year. I’ve been thinking about getting my first investment property as well. My income is between 2.5-3k.
1. Should I continue to invest in shares,grow my capital or put aside the cash for the investment property instead?
I’ll be looking forward to your reply.
Thanks.
Hi,
Please suggest me good place to invest with small amount of money.
Currently I only invest in ASB and don’t know much about unit trust..
If can, pls suggest me with low risk investment..
Tq
Hey KC, I’ve just recently graduated. I’m opting the entrepreneurial journey, so I need some advice on managing money and business, and also on investing machines and what nots. Currently I’m running a small business, office supplies and printings, in a small rural town in Sarawak. What type of investment I could pursue in a small rural town?
Hi KC,
I think most of us still finding the best investment tools around us , as our capital quite small , maybe we are more likely involving in shares , unitrust. Any others tool are you recommend with ? As I prefer higher risk investment , what types of shares do u recommend apart from plantation shares ?Do you think buy and hold strategy is the best way to protect our interest or any other ways that are more appropriate? Thanks
Hi KC,
I’m currently doing my internship and going to graduate by middle of next year.
First concern – build career from being an employee to build own business on providing online Financial Planning services and hit into international line through Education
Second concern – ability to own at least a house and a car
Third concern – generate fixed income through investments besides entering shares market (i.e. Real Estate, Commodity, FOREX, …)
just wish to know any better suggestion and advice to implement and improve my plans ?
thanks
Hi KC,
Sorry for the second question. It is about career advancement. Actually I am accounting graduated and will work as credit analyst and I want to setup a firm/company in the future. I should go to audit firm because if I work there I can have a chance to build accounting firm in the future. So, what do you think about credit analyst? Can I grow in the future? Can you suggest me the new business that I can setup and when is the appropriate time?
Thank you.
Hi, I just graduated from uni and I would like to ask what is the best saving method in this stage?
Thank you
Hi KC,
I am just graduated few months ago and will start my career coming November, I would like to ask you whether I should buy the new car or second hand car. Absolutely, there are pro and con because for the second hand car I should invest to repair and for the new car I will stuck to the loan. And I also want to keep some money for buying a home. Could you give any suggestion when a right time to own a new car and how can I avoid to stuck with loan and when I should buy the home and which area?
Hi KCs,
I have some doubt on my personal finance as a fresh graduate.
1. With RM2k of monthly salary, how much proportion of my salary should I keep in the bank?
2. If I want to achieve financial freedom in late 40’s, which investment tools I should use and how much should I put in every month?
3. I watched the video on medical insurance introduction by KC Lau and I wonder which one should I start first? 36-critical illness or H&S?
I appreciate your effort and hope to get the answer from you soon.
Thanks.
Hi KCLau and KCChong
I’ve just graduated last week and I just started my career. I have some money left from my scholarship. I am not sure how should I start to invest and what should be included in my investment portfolio. I would like to plan for retirement in the next 10 to 15 years if that is possible.
So what are the ways to invest and what should I focus in this moment as a fresh graduate?
Thanks
Wilfred
I’ve worked for two years and I’ve been given the advice to purchase a house before buying a new car. Is this advisable? I have enough for the downpayment but would still have to wait a few months to save up for basic renovations to the apartment if I were to buy one.
Also, I only keep my money in savings and fixed deposit accounts. Any other way to get higher returns for my money? 🙂
Hi,
I have doubts in
1) Normally, fresh graduates are having small capital (monthly salary approximate 2k+). How can a fresh graduate grows ones money instead of saving?
2) For those with limited knowledge in finance & investment, how can ones step into journey of financial freedom? Any platform or suggested method to enhance ones knowledge in this area?
3) Friends in my social circle mostly go for forex trading & REIT. Since all of us realized that monthly salary is insufficient (for example, own a home), are they heading to the correct way to approach financial freedom?
Thanks in advance for your professional guidance.
Hi,
I’m 23 yrs old and just graduated a few months ago. Currently working in a private company in Penang.
As for now, I don’t have any financial commitment yet. I just have a credit card which I use in a very disciplined manner. I never spend over my monthly budget. I’ve been planning to own at least 4 houses for investment purpose before 30 which is roughly 7 yrs from now. Expecting them to put passive income in my pocket at least 2K per month.
I’ve been planning to start a business and invest in stock market in near future. Been thinking to ‘play’ with cashflow rather than saving for my financial security. Been planning to get married also before 26. Haha. Normal Malay wedding would cost, I believe, around 20K-30K.
Expenditure for a month will cost me just around RM800-1000 including foods, fuel, toll, house rent, utilities etc. After married? Not sure.
With salary range between RM 2.5K-3K per month, how should I balance between ‘playing’ with cashflow and saving?
Thanks 🙂
Hi, I’m currently a Malaysian undergraduate student studying in India and will be back in Malaysia in six months time to continue my study. I’m not in debt currently and I do have some surplus money for investment in Malaysia. I’m deciding whether to keep my money in fixed deposit account or in unit trusts? Or are there any better options available which does not require much time and give pretty decent income?
I think that investing my money in high risk investments such as silver, gold, stock, or properties would take up much of my time for studying. I also heard that investing in government bonds is considered a low risk investment. Correct me if I am wrong.
Any help is very much appreciated, thank you!
Hi KC,
Song here. As a fresh graduate, my net salary after EPF and Socso is about 2k+.
After deduction of a number compulsory expenses like car loans, parents allowances, ptrols etc. There is not much left.
I exercised a term by Robert T. Kiyosaki : PAY YOURSELF FIRST.
Every time I got my salary, I tend to put away standing instructions of 30% into my Unit Trust.
I am also interested in stock markets. However due to the high price of shares ( stable ones), It is not easy to start up with.So that is when I tend to pump everything into Unit Trust.
Now the question is (similar with question ask by Hidayah) whether unit trust is a good option compare to shares, or should I save the money in the bank (low interest.. DUH !!) and buy a unit of share few months later.
Furthermore, few friends of mine got interested in investing in real estates. As everybody knows, houses prices are NUTS now. One of them came up with a business plan – lets buy property with joint names (easier for loans). I understand the risks especially if your friends betrayed you. But is it a good move if your friend never betrays you? whether loans will be approved?
I always admire your ideas of sharing knowledge. Keep it up and I continuously support you.
Appreciate your reply and see you soon.
Thanks. .
hi. i graduated from a local university a year ago. currently im running a small business as part time besides my permanent job in a real estate developer company.
the question is, what types of investment is the most relevant in current market? share, unit trust, property, gold or any other else? every each of them surely have their own pro and con, and im eagerly anticipated to hear your opinion on this question. thanks.
Hi,
I want to ask about the career prospects of CFA holder and CFP holder. Which one is more demanding in Malaysia? And what is the difference between RFP and CFP?
Thank you.
Hi, i graduated a year ago n just got myself into a car loan debt which is 26% from my salary of 3k. How would you advise me to save up in order to own a house of roughly rm350,000 in a year or two years time? By the way, im not thinking of investing in unit trusts.
Thanks.
Hi, I have a younger brother that just graduates from college and now just working in first month.
My question is how we as a brother/sister can introduce and prove him the important of savings at the earliest while starting working?
Thanks
I would like to know which direction should an engineer develop his skill in Malaysia market? It seems like Malaysia’s engineer under-value and not getting good income compare to other sectors like banking, sales, mlm, direct selling, insurance/property agents. Which direction/career could lead us to become self employ with potential high income(developer??) instead of tight to 9-5 not flexible timing.
Please advice.
Thank you.
Hello there
I graduated few months ago from US, and currently working in private sector in Malaysia. Since I worked over there, I got some money that I could take back home.
So, my question is, should I start investing somewhere with that money since I’m don’t have any debt now? I’m thinking about putting it in unit trust.
Or should I just leave the money in bank in case of emergency or if I need any transaction requiring a US bank?
Thank you very much for your answer.