By : Mrs. Kamariah Derasol

Young adults-especially students or those just starting their careers-often have limited income. To make ends meet, there are various ways you can manage and save money. Usually, the biggest chunk of monthly spending goes toward food and drinks, since these are everyday essentials.

Here are some practical tips to help you stretch your monthly budget and save more for future goals like savings or investments:

1. Cook Your Own Meals
If you have access to a kitchen, cooking at home can save you up to 50% on food costs. For example, a plate of rice might cost around RM1 to RM1.50 if bought outside, while cooking it at home may only cost 50 cents. Just by cooking plain rice daily, you could save around RM30 a month!

2. Share Meals With Friends
If you're living with roommates or housemates and don’t have access to a stove, this tip might be for you. The key is to find friends with similar tastes and who are willing to share. For example, Fakrie buys a portion of curry chicken, and Firas buys a sambal mackerel dish. They then share the dishes, allowing both to enjoy two different meals together-without doubling the cost!

3. Limit Sugary Drinks
Save money by drinking boiled or filtered water from home-just bring it in a reusable bottle. It’s the cheapest and also environmentally friendly. You can even add a pinch of Himalayan salt for a natural boost of essential minerals.
You might wonder, “Does that mean I can’t have any sweet drinks at all?” Don’t worry, of course you can—but in moderation. If you're craving something sweet, make your own drink using cordial and ice. It’s cheaper, and you control the sweetness.

And if you’re craving a branded drink like Zus Coffee or Tealive, try to limit yourself to just once a month. Treat it as a reward for your hard work, whether you're studying or working.

4. Practice Intermittent Fasting or Voluntary Fasting-for Budget and Health
According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Health in 2024, Malaysia still has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Southeast Asia. One in six Malaysians has diabetes. That’s why it’s important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and eating habits early on, to reduce future health risks.

For Muslims, practicing voluntary fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a great habit. It not only promotes better health but also brings spiritual rewards.

Hopefully, these simple tips will help you plug the leaks in your spending and keep your monthly expenses under control!

Date of Input: 27/06/2026 | Updated: 27/06/2026 | ayna