1. Make an initial plan

Since Hari Raya is only celebrated once a year, we should begin planning as soon as possible. We cannot make preparations less than a month before Hari Raya or even worse, borrowing money to spend over the celebration.

Here are 3 steps to create your spending budget:

1. Determine the entire cost that involve during Hari Raya. Make a list of all the expenses that will be incurred, including baju raya, duit raya, kuih raya, house furnishings, transport fees and cooking supplies.
   
   
2. Calculate the total expenses and divide them by 10 months. Let's say you need RM3,000 for Hari Raya, so you'll have to set aside RM300 per month.
   
   
3. Put aside a certain amount. You can put your money in a separate bank account, ASB or Tabung Haji. Do not store in a risky and unsafe place.

2. Shopping tips

Most individuals will overspend when they go shopping. To avoid wasting money while shopping, you can use the recommendations as follows:

a. Make a shopping list

Before going to the market or shopping complex, you need to make a list of the products that you want to buy.

You can be trapped with the promos on offer if you do not have this list.  There are a lot of promotions available during Hari Raya that will make you go crazy. You need to be worried about buying things you do not need afterwards.
 

b. Buy online

All goods are now available for purchase online. There are even shops that will give you a better deal if you buy online.

You can also compare the prices more simply and get the cheapest deal. It is better if you can get cash incentives and points.
 

c. Be sure to follow the budget

You may split down the budget by category and determine the amount of money you wish to spend in each category. For example, if you set the price for Hari Raya clothes at RM150 per person, so you cannot spend more than RM600 for a family of 4.
 

d. Avoid using credit card

Only bring enough money when you are going to shops. This is to ensure that we do not spend more than we can afford and end ourselves in debt. Let us not have to pay off our debts for a month just because we want to enjoy the moment.
 

3. Duit raya

Giving duit raya is a common thing during Hari Raya and we must give it according to our ability. The most important thing when giving duit raya is about our sincerity.

On the other hand, we can teach our children or youngsters to save that money for their future.  These savings might be used to help them during their study or begin a career.

You can put your money into an investment scheme or your personal savings account such as Takaful to secure yourself and set up an education fund.

4. Preparation before balik kampung

Before returning to the village, please make sure you make the preparations first. There are 2 main things that need to be done, which are home safety and safety on the way back to the village.

a. Home safety

i. Make sure all the doors and windows are locked. Examine all possible entry points for potential robbers. Make sure windows or small areas are not easily break.

ii. Remove the gas barrel head. This is to keep any fires at home.

iii. Unplug all electrical sockets. Examine all accessible switches and unhook all of the switches' wires.

iv. Keep your valuables items in a safe place. Do not leave cash or jewelry alone at home. Keep it in a safe box or just bring it together to the village.

v. Notify your neighbours. If you have any neighbours who do not return to their village, they can help checking your house and inform if there is any suspicious movement.
 

b. Preparation of the vehicle and journey.

i. Make an estimation to the cost involve. Calculate all the expenses related with the return trip such as gasoline, tolls and car maintenance.

ii. Vehicle maintenance. If we do not want to get stranded in the middle of the journey, make sure the main components are being checked such as tires, black oil, brakes and lights.

After we have completed all of our preparations, we have to pray and trust in the Almighty.