Many Malaysians postpone investing until they feel more financially secure. This delay is driven by fear, lack of financial knowledge, or the mistaken belief that investing is only for the wealthy. But in reality, the earlier you start, the better your chances of building financial freedom.

Starting young allows you to develop smart financial habits and build the confidence needed to manage your money wisely. With just small, consistent investments early on, it can grow into significant wealth over time. This helps set the stage for bigger life goals like home ownership or early retirement.

The Power of Compounding: Why Time > Amount

The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow—and this is where the power of compound interest comes in. Compound interest means you earn returns not only on your original investment but also on the gains you have made over time. This snowball effect becomes more powerful the longer you stay invested.

For example, imagine two individuals:

• Person A starts investing RM100 per month at age 25 and stops at 55.

• Person B waits until age 35 to start and invests RM100 per month until age 55.

By the time both reach 55, Person A may end up with more money because their investment had 30 years to grow, whereas Person B only had 20. The difference lies not in the monthly contribution, but in how long the money had to compound.

If you plug RM100/month into a compound interest calculator with an average annual return of 6%, the investment grows to nearly RM100,000 over 30 years. That’s the power of compounding and why starting in your 20s matters more than starting later.

Why Investing Is Not Just for the Rich

There’s a common belief that investments are only for the wealthy. In reality, investing can be for everyone including first-jobbers with stable income. You don’t need thousands of ringgit to start; you only need a plan, discipline, and access to the right tools.

Instead of waiting to “save enough to invest,” you can start small, build consistency, and scale your investments as your income grows. This approach helps you form good financial habits early and positions you for better long-term returns.

Plus, with tools like HLB Connect, you can track, manage, and grow your investments conveniently via internet banking. Investing is no longer about how much money you have, it's about the mindset to grow it.

Risk vs Reward: Why You Can Afford to Take More Risk

One of the biggest advantages of starting early is your ability to take on more investment risk. When you're younger, you have more time to ride out market ups and downs. This means you can afford to invest in funds that may be more volatile in the short term but offer higher potential returns in the long run.

For instance, equity or growth-oriented funds typically offer greater returns than conservative funds but may fluctuate more in value. If you're in your 20s or early 30s, a short-term dip won't derail your long-term goals when you have decades ahead for your investments to recover and grow.

Start Your Investment Journey With HLB Wealth

Thanks to online banking platforms, investing is now more inclusive and accessible than ever. You can begin your investment journey with as little as RM50—making it affordable even for those just starting their careers. You can start investing and enjoy a seamless digital experience, from onboarding to portfolio management with HLB Connect Online.

With HLB’s digital investment platform, you will also go through a risk profiling assessment to help match your comfort level with appropriate funds. It’s a smart way to balance risk and reward, and invest confidently based on your financial goals and timeline.

Here’s how it works:

• Risk profiling: Answer simple questions to get matched with funds that suit your goals.

• Auto-investment: Set up recurring investments to stay consistent.

• Goal-based investing: Track your progress toward goals like buying a car, travelling, or retirement.

By investing in Unit Trust with Hong Leong Bank, you can explore a variety of fund options suited to different risk appetites:

• Equity funds for higher growth potential

• Balanced or mixed-asset funds for a blend of growth and stability

• Fixed income funds for conservative investors

Everything is online, fast, and beginner-friendly—perfect for young Malaysians taking their first step into investing.

Invest Now, Thank Yourself Later

When you begin investing before 30, you’re not just building wealth but also your financial freedom. With a secured financial future, you could retire early and make choices without much financial stress.

Even RM50 a month can make a significant difference when paired with time and consistency. The key is to start now, not wait for the “perfect” moment. Ready to grow your future? Explore your investment options with Hong Leong Bank and take the first step today.