Aliyawanders

I started investing in unit trust when I was fresh out of university and just stepping into the working world, about 20 years ago. Back then, it wasn’t a consistent habit – more like whenever I had some extra cash lying around. Why? Because I had to juggle between two priorities: saving for emergencies and investing for the future.  

At the time, I used ASB for emergencies because of its fixed unit price of RM1 and stable dividends. Meanwhile, unit trust was my choice for long-term growth since its fluctuating price offered the potential for higher returns over time. Balancing between these two wasn’t easy, but I knew both were important.  

When I became a unit trust consultant, my career – and my investments – got more stable. What used to be sporadic lump-sum contributions turned into regular monthly investments. I started small, just RM200 a month. If you’re expecting quick profits, unit trust might not be your cup of tea. It’s a long game.

But here’s the thing: over nearly 20 years, that RM200 a month added up. And when the pandemic hit in 2020, that investment became our safety net.  

During the market recovery at the end of 2020, I made the decision to withdraw my unit trust investments. The amount was enough to cover our bills and keep us afloat for 2–3 years.  

Was it originally meant for retirement? Yes. But life has its surprises. Sometimes, you have to dip into savings you hoped you’d never touch. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful I made those small sacrifices early on.  

Now that life is back on track, I’m starting my retirement fund again. It’s a fresh start, but this time, I know how much even small, consistent contributions can grow over time.  

Unit trust isn’t just about chasing big returns – it’s about being prepared for the unexpected. If you’re wondering whether to start, my advice is simple: start small but start now. You never know when your future self will thank you.  

👉 Need help securing your retirement fund? Contact me at 012-223 1623 or click here to WhatsApp: https://savingwithaliya.wasap.my.