Tightening belts to make ends meet

AT A low-cost housing area in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Zahir Amri’s flat is often in darkness.

The 26-year-old who lives alone says when at home, he only switches on the bedroom light.

“I only switch on the lights when absolutely necessary to keep my electricity bill as low as possible.

Many youths transitioning from student to working life can find managing expenses difficult. — Filepic

“I have been mostly successful (in doing this) except in April when my bill shot up to RM90 during the fasting month,” he told StarMetro.

Mohd Zahir said he worked from home mostly, thanks to the flexibility afforded by his employer.

Many youths are making fewer visits to cinemas to cut spending on leisure activities. — Filepic

Besides saving on paying toll and fuel, he said such an arrangement allowed him to cut down on food expenditure.

“I have more time to cook, which means fewer visits to mamak restaurants and stalls during lunch,” he said.

Some youths are terminating their subscription for streaming services to save money. —Kamarul Ariffin/The Star

“I am fortunate (to be able to maintain this lifestyle) since I am single and have no dependants.”

The IT support executive is not the only fresh graduate who has been forced to make such adjustments to save money.

With the rising cost of living, many are juggling their expenses and commitments as they transition from student life to shouldering responsibilities as an adult.

Adjusting to survive

Many young graduates and interns are also finding ways to make ends meet as they do not earn much.

Accountancy student Kamini Devi Ravindran, 22, who is on an internship, said she negotiated with her employer for a workplace transfer.

Kamini cooks her lunch in the morning before going to work to save on eating out.

Initially slated to join the company’s branch in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, she was subsequently allowed to work at the office in her hometown of Ipoh, Perak.

“I asked for the transfer as I have to take care of my father, who suffered a stroke a few years ago.

“He used to be an ehailing driver following my mother’s death, but is now unable to work.

“My brother and I are responsible for our household expenses,” she said.

From her monthly RM1,000 work allowance, she sets aside RM300 for groceries.

Using ehailing services to get to work, she said she timed her departures to get lower fares.

“During evening peak hours, the fee might go up to RM25, so I usually wait until after 6.30pm before booking a ride.

She also cooks her lunch in the morning before going to work.

In her spare time, Kamini dances with a group that performs at temples and weddings.

Nur Adiba Anisah Anuar, 24, who is studying communications, is also doing her internship and living with her parents in Johor Baru, Johor.

By doing so, she saves on the cost of renting a room.

Nur Adiba’s emceeing side hustle allows her to pay car instalments as well as give her parents money.

She also cuts down on food expenses by cooking at night and reheating her lunch in the morning before heading to work.

“It has become a routine. I normally cook something simple like fried rice or noodles.”

To supplement her income, Nur Adiba takes up freelance jobs such as emceeing for events during her free time.

“I also occasionally take orders for graphic designs,” she said.

Thanks to her side hustle, Nur Adiba is able to afford her RM560 monthly car instalment and give her parents RM100 each month.

Lifestyle changes

For some youths, the high overheads they face in adulthood has forced them to reduce outings and social activities.

Lai Cheng Yan, 23, who works as a freelance English and Japanese language tutor, has been making fewer trips to cafes and cinemas compared to before.

Lai prefers outdoor activities that do not require her to fork out money.

Despite having graduated recently, Lai said she and her peers regularly met up at the canteen of their alma mater in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur as it was cheaper to dine there.

“As a freelancer, my income varies each month.

“I can earn up to RM4,000 during good months but it can also be less than RM1,000.

“Thankfully, my parents do not expect an allowance.

“Instead of cafe-hopping and going out for movies with friends, I go hiking and swimming as these activities require less money,” she said.

Another fresh graduate who wanted to be known as Ahmad Radzi, 25, said he had discontinued his subscriptions to audio and video streaming services.

“I am also considering downgrading my mobile Internet plan since I have WiFi at home,” he said.