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Getting financially fit

A woman is sewing clothes; image used for HSBC Malaysia getting financially fit article page.

If you feel financially secure and can achieve your financial goals, then you may consider yourself financially healthy.

People who are financially healthy tend to share several characteristics:

  1. They live within their means.
  2. They spend their money wisely.
  3. They are able to free up funds when required.
  4. They have money set aside for emergencies and unexpected costs. For more help, check out our top tips.
  5. They avoid excessive borrowing and feel in control of money they owe.
  6. They can save for the future.
  7. They consider their insurance and protection needs.
  8. They can spot scams and know how to avoid fraud.

 

Even if you already practise many of these healthy habits, there's always room to improve and you may even increase your financial health.

 

How financially capable are you?

Healthy

I rarely feel stressed when I think about my finances.

I live within my means.

I feel confident to talk openly with friends and loved ones if money becomes a concern.

I could handle a major unexpected expense without any hardship.

I am proactively planning for my future and retirement.

I find it easy to access reliable advice and support.

 

Coping

I can meet my day-to-day bills and outgoings most of the time.

I occasionally feel stressed when I think about my finances.

I am able to save a little from time to time.

I’m able to talk openly with friends and loved ones if money becomes a concern.

I could handle a major unexpected expense without any hardship.

I know where to find some reliable financial advice and support.

 

Struggling

I find it hard to talk openly with friends and loved ones if money becomes a concern.

I often have to borrow money to pay for needs, like food and utilities.

I often feel stressed when I think about my finances.

I don’t have a plan for my future or retirement.

I couldn’t handle a major unexpected expense, it would cause some hardship.

I find it hard to find reliable financial advice and support.

 

Unwell

I always feel stressed when I think about my finances.

I would never talk openly with friends and loved ones if money becomes a concern.

I have credit card and other debt that I cannot manage.

I couldn’t handle a major unexpected expense, it would be a significant hardship.

I have no idea where to find reliable financial advice and support.

 

Financial wellbeing

Mother and daughter are enjoying the river view; image used for HSBC Malaysia spend wisely article page.
Be in control of what you spend on bills, savings and debts.
A girl is looking up and smiling on the street; image used for HSBC Malaysia free up funds article page.
Creative ways to reduce your expenses.
A woman is looking at her mobile phone; image used for HSBC Malaysia manage existing debt article page.
Smart ways to reduce what you owe.