How Malaysians manage money is shaping far more than their bank balances. The 2026 RinggitPlus Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey (RMFLS 2026), released by RinggitPlus on 22 October, shows money influencing decisions on marriage, family support and retirement, while the savings gap between income groups grows wider.
Now in its ninth year, RMFLS 2026 surveyed 3,005 Malaysians aged 18 and above online from 28 September to 11 October 2026. The study is endorsed by the Financial Education Network (FEN) and sponsored by GXBank.
Money Delays Marriage, Weddings and First Children
About 1 in 4 Malaysians aged 25 to 44 surveyed (24.3%) say money led them to delay or decide against marriage, a wedding or a first child in the past five years. The figure is higher among those aged 25 to 34 (28.9%) than those aged 35 to 44 (19.1%).
The pattern cuts across income levels, too. Among respondents aged 25 to 44, it was reported by 22.8% of those with a personal income under RM2,000, 25.8% of those earning RM2,000 to RM4,999 and 23.1% of those earning RM5,000 or more.
6 in 10 Malaysians Give Money to Their Parents
Supporting family remains a big part of Malaysian life. RMFLS 2026 found that 63.0% of respondents currently give money to their parents or parents-in-law, with 32.0% contributing every month and 30.9% doing so now and then.
Even among those with a personal income under RM2,000, 51.4% give money to a parent or parent-in-law, while 18.5% of this group do so every month.
RMFLS 2026 Reveals a Widening Savings Gap
The sharpest contrast lies in financial buffers. Among respondents with a personal income under RM2,000, 39% say their savings would last less than a month if they lost their job, up from an adjusted 35% in 2025. Another 36% save nothing each month, compared with an adjusted 33% last year.
For those earning RM2,000 or more, the picture improved: 14% say their savings would last under a month (from an adjusted 17%), and 11% save nothing monthly (from an adjusted 12%). The gap between the two groups has widened on both measures.
The 2025 figures were adjusted to the 2026 sample’s age and family mix within each income group.
Side Income Is Common, and Many Plan to Keep Working
Nearly half (45.6%) of Malaysians surveyed expect to keep working beyond retirement age, either part-time or by never fully retiring. Meanwhile, 56.2% of respondents with a main job also earn from other paid work, such as small businesses, online selling, part-time jobs and freelancing.
Among those juggling both, 22.4% say they need the extra income to cover their commitments, while 47.6% say they could manage without it, but it would be tight.
Borrowing for More Than One Reason
RMFLS 2026 also looked at borrowing. About one in six respondents (15.6%) say repaying another debt was one of the reasons they borrowed money or used credit, including credit cards and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), in the past 12 months. Of those who borrowed or used credit, 67.0% cited more than one reason.
Scams and AI Put Digital Financial Literacy in Focus
One in four Malaysians surveyed (25.3%) say they lost money to a scam in the past 12 months, including small losses. Separately, 21.0% say they came across a scam this year that they believed used AI or a deepfake to impersonate someone they trust, a risk also seen in the rise of AI-themed phishing emails.
At the same time, 41.3% have used AI tools to help manage their money, rising to 52.0% among those aged 18 to 24. RMFLS 2026 points to the need for financial education that helps Malaysians use digital tools carefully, verify information and recognise potential misuse.
Making Financial Education Practical
“Many of this year’s findings are about family and the years ahead,” said Siew Yuen Tuck, CEO of Jirnexu, which owns and operates RinggitPlus.
“The findings also show the gap in savings widening between those with a personal income under RM2,000 and everyone else. That deserves attention. Financial education has to be practical and accessible, so that Malaysians can turn what they know into everyday decisions that leave them better prepared.”
About RMFLS 2026
Conducted annually with over 3,000 respondents nationwide, the survey tracks Malaysians’ financial health, habits and priorities. The survey provider changed this year, and GXBank proposed some of the questions. RinggitPlus earns commission or fees when consumers apply for financial products such as loans, credit cards and insurance. Find out more on the RinggitPlus website.
