Tips for managing THR wisely amid uncertainty

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Financial planner Rista Zwestika, CFP WMI, shared tips for managing tunjangan hari raya (THR) amid global uncertainty that could affect rises in energy and food prices.

Amid uncertainty stemming from global geopolitical issues, she said residents should be more careful in how they use THR.

‘I usually advise the public to follow a simple principle: THR equals 3P. Priorities, Protection, and Celebration,’ said the OJK ambassador for Islamic financial literacy to ANTARA on Friday.

She stated that the use of THR funds should be prioritised to meet the main needs related to Idul Fitri celebrations, such as paying zakat, mudik, and meeting family needs during the festive period.

‘If an emergency fund is not yet ideal with a minimum of 6-12 months of income, then part of the THR should indeed be allocated to strengthen the emergency fund, because in times of uncertainty, a cash buffer (cadangan uang tunai) is often more important than short-term lifestyle,’ she explained.

Rista said that in the currently tense geopolitical climate, it is wise to use part of the THR to invest in assets with stable value and low risk such as emas, Surat Berharga Negara (SBN), and reksa dana.

She added that part of the THR could be used for Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

The allocation of funds to celebrate Idul Fitri with family, she said, should not be excessive, but rather modest.