“I thought RM7,000 was enough… but why do I still feel broke?”
A Malaysian woman recently sparked a heated discussion online after revealing that despite earning RM7,000 a month, she still finds herself struggling financially by the end of each month.
“End of the month, it’s always stressful”
In a Threads post, the woman shared how the current economy feels increasingly overwhelming, even for those with relatively stable incomes.
She explained that while RM7,000 may sound like a comfortable salary, her reality tells a different story.
I thought my salary was already okay… but honestly, every month still feels very tight.”
What shocked many was her admission that after covering her expenses, she was left with just RM50 in her bank account, with days to go before her next payday.
“I don’t think I’m overspending”
Anticipating criticism, she clarified that she doesn’t consider herself someone who spends excessively.
According to her, her lifestyle is already “minimum” for someone trying to survive in the city.
To justify her point, she broke down her monthly expenses:
- Apartment rent: RM2,500
(She explained she chose not to stay in a low-cost flat as it would make her feel stressed and uncomfortable after work.) - Car instalment (Myvi, new gen): RM600
(Used mainly for commuting to work.) - Food & self-reward: RM1,500
(Includes occasional meals like wagyu or visits to aesthetic cafés.) - Allowance for her mother: RM200
She questioned whether even small indulgences, like treating herself once in a while, are no longer considered reasonable.
Comparing herself to others earning less
What puzzled her the most was seeing friends who earn significantly less still managing major life milestones.
My friends earning RM3K seem relaxed… they can get married and even buy a house.”
This led her to question whether people simply have a higher tolerance for hardship, or if she’s missing something when it comes to managing her finances.
‘Your rent is too high’
Her post quickly gained traction, with many netizens offering blunt but practical feedback.
A common point raised was her RM2,500 rent, which many felt was too high for a single person.
Some suggested she could:
- Rent just a master bedroom instead of a whole unit
- Look for studios or rooms below RM1,500–RM1,700
- Consider locations slightly further out for cheaper rent
Others pointed out that her RM1,500 monthly spending on food and lifestyle could also be trimmed.
Several commenters shifted the focus from income to money management and stressed that building financial stability starts with discipline, not just earning more.
Among the common advice shared:
- Set aside 10–15% of your salary as savings first
- Prioritise essentials before lifestyle spending
- Learn to differentiate between needs and wants
Not everyone was critical, however.
Some users pointed out that her spending reflects a choice to prioritise comfort and quality of life, which isn’t necessarily wrong.
After all, living alone in a comfortable space and occasionally enjoying good food can also be seen as part of self-care.
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