Malaysia Money Matters

Am thinking of offering pro-bono financial advisory services to certain vulnerable segments of society here in Malaysia. Something along the lines of say, young LGBT Malaysians - especially the transgender community. I have a few transgender friends and a couple of them are doing well financially but the rest seem to struggle somewhat. Perhaps I can help but it's a sensitive subject to broach. Anyway, if any of you youngsters out there need someone to give some advice on how to get ahead financially - maybe Uncle here can help you or at least listen to you. Just drop a comment below and we'll take it from there. :)

I love calculating stuff like this.. mainly because I'm so sick of those newspaper articles that don't do their numbers correctly, saying all sorts of dumb things getting people all riled up AND those commentators who keep ranting on about fresh graduates who can't buy houses (newsflash: they shouldn't be buying houses until working for a few years anyway). So let's all have a reality check here, THIS is what you can afford (a la Suze Orman) based on your TAKE HOME PAY after deducting EPF and income tax. Also, the calculation is based on maxing up to 33% of your take home on housing BUT your actual loan commitment is set at 28% with another 5% set aside for things like quit rent, assessments, maintenance fees (if you're living in a condo or apartment), utilities like electricity, water and sewage (Indah Water) - these are fixed expenses that a lot of people don't take into account when they buy property then wonder why they're short of cash by the en...

2008 has been a crazy year for me.. changing jobs mid-way and breaking up.. but now that most of the dust has settled, I'm very grateful and happy with my finances now.. Firstly, the company car benefit - have paid off my car and now don't need to service that loan anymore! yay! Now, just need to pay for Pa's car but luckily it's cheaper as he got a good trade-in value on the old car.. Second, managed to refinance my house with an OD at a decent rate - not the cheapest - but that's the premium to pay for the flexibility, now I can pay down much faster and have the option to redraw if need be.. love it! Also, I can consolidate all the credit cards at a MUCH lower rate than 18%! aiyo... just have to make sure I don't go crazy with spending again Third, unexpectedly got a bonus despite being with the new company for less than a year.. err.. less than 6 months actually, but Boss said he's happy with my work wor, so ok lor, take it lor.. :) well, means I'm l...