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Put all your chips on proper financial education, say experts
Posted on May 20, 2021
MORE should be done to equip youths with the proper knowledge on how to handle their finances.
One reason is because it’s now easier for young people to be exposed to wrong information on financial matters, says independent financial adviser Yap Ming Hui.
While most people know gambling is wrong, he worries that some youths may fall into the grey area of speculating activities, disguised as investments.
“For example, some offer investments into certain precious metals, aside from gold, like lithium or technology stocks.
“Some claim they can make 300% to 500% of their capital within one month.
“Such schemes appear like investments. Some operators package it with high returns but very high level investments with loans.
“This is a grey area which is disguised as an investment that can be a big trap to young people, ” Yap says, adding that there are high chances of losing a lot of money.
“Some say they have earned a fortune from trading in cryptocurrency and are offering to teach others on how to do the same.
“As youths spend a lot of time online, especially during the movement control order, it is easier to be bombarded with such information.
“However, as enticing the offer may be, most of these financial ‘gurus’ are not licensed and not properly qualified to advise clients.
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The world we live in is increasingly complex, especially for the youths, and they will eventually need to take charge of their future and finances. Financial education in the tertiary stage is for those between the ages of 18 to 25 currently pursuing post-secondary education. Providing them with the appropriate financial know-how at this point will build up their competence in dealing with future financial decisions. This module focuses on cash flow management, the importance of savings and setting up a budget, internet banking and other appropriate topics for university and college students.
Entering Workforce
This stage comprises those between the ages of 20 to 30, i.e. mainly those who are just starting out in life. Financial education is essential to this age group as they learn to be independent in most matters especially financial management. In their minds, a car is a want rather than a need, and normally sits at the top of their list of things to acquire. Our Entering Workforce module focuses on understanding the fundamentals of borrowing and the importance of borrowing productively to encourage positive net worth. Financial education at this stage is also aimed at inculcating the habit of managing debts wisely. The module also introduces the fundamentals of investments and the importance of insurance for a better tomorrow.
Starting and Raising a Family
The module for the next life stage is for those who are starting and raising a family. People in this category are approaching that time in their life when they will normally experience important and meaningful life’s milestones: marriage, children and a new home. Designed for those between 30 to 40 years of age, this module will focus on settling unproductive loans while reducing debt commitments as they prepare for retirement. Emphasis will again be placed on the importance of planning for and protecting against uncertainties by talking about the types of financial tools available. They will learn the various types of insurance policies and be able to decide on the best coverage based on their affordability for their precious family. Education will also be given on the appropriate investments that will provide passive income for a better tomorrow.
Retirement
The transition from working to retiring involves many tough decisions regarding income and lifestyle needs and whether one plans to ease into retirement or otherwise, while considering factors such as wealth management, whether a pension is enjoyed, and EPF balances. These are big decisions with long-term impact on their financial well-being during retirement. To make the best choices, they require sufficient knowledge and intense awareness of how they want to live through their retirement years. Therefore, our pre-retirement module will prepare them for retirement by teaching them the proper use of their investments and review of their portfolio while servicing their insurance policies and settling unproductive debts to improve their net worth positively.
Post – Retirement
You have retired. How would you manage your money now? Considering that the average life expectancy in Malaysia has improved, it is more important now than ever to ensure that you have the financial resources to live a comfortable and happy lifestyle—particularly if you are looking forward to retiring with peace of mind. Taking care of your wealth and making it last are important at this stage. Financial literacy and education is a continuous life lesson that does not end at retirement. Now, more than ever, you need to manage your finances wisely and plan for the unexpected. Our post-retirement module is focused on those who are currently transitioning into retirement or are in the early stages of retirement.