Did you go over budget for Raya? Here are 5 tips to get back on track

Hari Raya has come and gone, and for many, it may have left a noticeable dent in your finances. While it might feel like it will take months to recover, the good news is—it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are five practical tips to help you bounce back financially after Hari Raya, or any festive celebration. 

1. Assess your current financial situation and plan your next steps 

Once you're back in your normal routine, the first thing you should do is review your budget and assess the extent of your spending. Review how much you've spent, how far you've strayed from your budget, and what changes you need to make. This might mean cutting back in some areas or delaying your next trip. 

Need help keeping track? TNG eWallet’s Cashflow automatically categorises your spending, so you can see exactly where your money goes. 

2. If you've overspent, create a doable recovery plan

Overspending happens, especially during festive seasons, and it’s nothing to be too stressed about once you make a list and prioritise. It might feel daunting at first, but things will seem less overwhelming once you can see which payments are urgent and which ones can wait. 

One method you can try is the snowball strategy: 

How the snowball method works: 

 It’s simple but effective—each cleared payment gives you a small win and builds momentum to keep going. 

3. Rebuild your emergency fund 

If you dipped into your emergency fund, start rebuilding it, no matter how small. Even RM50 or RM100 a month can make a difference over time. Consider using a savings tool like TNG eWallet’s GO+, which offers up to 3.5% p.a daily returns. 

4. Try a no-spending period 

This doesn’t mean cutting out all spending—just the unnecessary ones. Skip the daily splurges: brew your own coffee, cook your meals, and pack lunch for work or uni. Stick to a shopping list and avoid impulse buys. 

You might be surprised by how much you can save, and who knows, you might even pick up habits that stick. 

5. Make smarter financial decisions 

Take a moment to reflect on what led to the overspending and map out a plan to make things easier next year. 

Start saving early for your next big occasion. List out what you’ll need, shop during sales, and spread out your purchases instead of leaving everything to the last minute. Small, regular contributions can go a long way. If you want your savings to grow, consider low-risk investments like ASNB and Principal on TNG eWallet. Explore GOfinance to find a range of funds that match your financial goals and risk appetite, and make your money work harder for you. 

Manage your finances with TNG eWallet 

Holidays can leave your wallet hurting but you can bounce back. 

Use these five tips to regain control and manage it all with TNG eWallet: track your spending, grow your savings and explore investment opportunities, all in one app.