THR Soon Disbursed, Here Are Tips to Start Investing in Gold So It Won't Just Be Spent
THR, the Hari Raya allowance, is due to be paid at least seven days before the holiday, including ahead of Idulfitri, under Indonesian rules. For many workers, THR is seen as ‘extra money’ for Lebaran shopping, homecoming, and family gifts. But if managed wisely, THR can also be an opportunity to build healthier financial habits, among them investing.
One instrument commonly chosen by Indonesians is gold. Gold is relatively stable and easy for beginners to understand. A World Gold Council report notes that two in three Indonesians (67%) own gold investments in various forms.
If you want to start using THR to invest in gold, here are some tips to try:
- Define your investment goals from the start
The first step is to shift the mindset that THR is not just ‘panic money’. To make it more targeted, you can allocate THR into several expense categories. For example, a simple split could be:
40% for Raya needs
30% savings or emergency fund
20% investment
10% for charity or sharing
From the investment portion, set clear goals, e.g., for an emergency fund, education costs, or other long-term plans. With specific objectives, you will be more consistent in saving gold and less tempted to liquidate for impulsive needs.
- Start from small amounts to stay consistent
People think gold investments must start with large capital. In fact, starting from small amounts can help build the investment habit gradually without disturbing essential needs.
With fintech advancements, gold investment can now be done digitally. For example through the eMAS feature in the DANA app, which allows users to buy gold starting from around 0.0001 gram or equivalent to hundreds of rupiah, depending on the gold price at the time of the transaction. This approach is suitable for beginners who want to start investing gradually.
- Understand the time horizon and gold price movements
Although known as a relatively stable and inflation-resistant investment instrument, gold prices can still fluctuate. Therefore it’s important to understand the characteristics of gold as a long-term investment.
Historically, over periods longer than five years, gold prices have tended to rise. By monitoring price movements regularly, investors can decide when it’s more appropriate to buy or sell.
Through the eMAS feature in the DANA app, users can also view price trends across various time frames, from one week to one year. There are even personal price alerts when gold reaches a target.
- Choose a practical and secure platform
The ease of digital investment has broadened access, but safety must remain a priority. Through the DANA eMAS feature, users can buy digital gold, monitor balances, and view transaction history transparently, with no storage fees.
These transactions are supervised by the Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (BAPPEBTI). In addition, the digital gold owned can be minted into physical gold if needed.
Ivan Kusuma, Head of Investment and Insurance at DANA, said that investing can start with small amounts and be done consistently. ‘The THR moment is the right time to start. One way is through DANA’s eMAS feature. It is accessible and safe, making it suitable for beginner investors. We hope this approach helps more people build healthier financial habits.’