A Malaysian woman has sparked discussion online after opening up about her financial frustrations despite earning what many would consider a comfortable household income.
In an anonymous post shared by XUAN, she revealed that she and her husband bring home between RM15,000 and RM20,000 a month combined. Yet, instead of feeling secure, she feels increasingly stressed about their savings due to her mother in law’s spending habits.
“We cover everything at home”
The woman shared that she and her husband are both middle income earners. Her husband works in sales on commission, while she has a more stable salary.
Although they can afford daily expenses, they are responsible for almost all household costs, including their three children.
On top of that, they also pay for her mother in law’s car, road tax, maintenance, phone bills, and even daily necessities.
“She is currently working, but her salary is not high. Her income is enough for her own entertainment, and she spends it every month,” the woman wrote.
According to her, her mother in law rarely needs to fork out any money, as most expenses are already covered by the couple.
“She sees it, she buys it”
The issue, she said, is not just about covering basic needs.
Her mother in law allegedly has a habit of spending without much consideration for cost.
During a recent outing, she bought a RM300 blouse and asked her son to pay for it.
Meanwhile, when the couple dines out as a family of five, they only order two drinks to save money. When shopping for themselves, they choose RM30 items from Padini.
“That RM300 blouse is still sitting in the wardrobe, unworn,” she added.
With three growing children, she worries that bigger expenses such as overseas education may come in the future. Their children already require spending on tuition and extracurricular activities.
“Kids are not money trees,” she wrote.
Three overseas trips a year
What troubles her the most is her mother in law’s frequent travel plans.
She claimed that her mother in law has already gone on three overseas trips this year alone. While the mother in law pays for her own tour package, the couple bears all her daily expenses.
A single trip can cost about RM5,000 in total, she estimated, after factoring in shopping and other spending.
“This is already the third time this year. I am speechless. How many more times will this happen?” she questioned.
Husband unwilling to say no
The woman explained that her husband is an only child and feels obligated to support his mother. Although she has discussed the matter with him, he finds it difficult to refuse his mother’s requests.
“He says that’s his mum, he feels bad rejecting her,” she said.
While she understands the mindset of the older generation and agrees that children should care for their parents, she feels there should be limits.
“I also want to bring my kids overseas. Our savings have other purposes too.”
She stressed that she is not asking her mother in law to shoulder household expenses, but hopes she can at least avoid adding to their burden.
