The findings show how financial pressure shapes major life decisions, especially those involving marriage and family planning.
PETALING JAYA: One in four Malaysians aged 25 to 44 has put off, or opted out of, getting married or having a first child in the past five years because of money worries.
The Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey (RMFLS) 2026 by RinggitPlus found that 24.3% of respondents in this age group were affected. This figure was higher among those aged 25 to 34 (28.9%), compared with 19.1% for those aged 35 to 44.
READ MORE: Marriage on hold as Gen Z prioritises financial stability amid rising living costs
READ MORE: KPWKM strengthens marriage counselling services amid rising divorces
The findings show how financial pressure shapes major life decisions, especially those involving marriage and family planning.
By personal income, 25.8% of respondents aged 25 to 44 earning between RM2,000 and RM4,999 a month said finances influenced their decision. This was followed by 23.1% of those earning RM5,000 and above, and 22.8% of those earning below RM2,000.
The survey also found that 63% of respondents give money to their parents or parents-in-law, with 32% doing so monthly and 30.9% occasionally.
Among respondents earning below RM2,000 a month, 51.4% give money to their parents or in-laws, including 18.5% who do so every month.
RinggitPlus chief executive officer Yuen Tuck Siew said this year’s results show a close link between financial standing, family responsibilities and Malaysians’ plans for the future.
He said the widening savings gap between those earning below RM2,000 and other income groups also deserves attention.
“Financial education has to be practical and easy to access so that Malaysians can apply what they know to everyday decisions that help them prepare better,” he said.
The online survey involved 3,005 Malaysians aged 18 and above and was conducted from Sept 28 to Oct 11.
The RMFLS is an annual study by RinggitPlus, recognised by the Financial Education Network (FEN).