Introduction

Welcome to Giraffy’s Start Here hub. This is your first stop to learn how money works in Saudi Arabia, from banking basics and budgeting to investing, insurance, telecom and beyond. Each section below gives a quick overview and links to deeper guides so you can act with confidence.

Quick Summary / Top Picks

  • Open the right bank account, then set up a simple budget you will follow

  • Build a small emergency fund before starting long‑term investing

  • Protect key risks with the right insurance (car, health, travel, life)

  • Optimize telecom (SIM, phone, internet) to shrink monthly bills

Explore hubs:

Banking & Money — Build Your Foundation

Set up everyday banking first: salary account, online banking, and digital wallet. Learn fees, limits and security best practices.

Deeper guides:

Spend & Save — Control Monthly Costs

Create a practical plan, reduce bills and shop smarter. Use automation, alerts and seasonal timing to keep more of your income.

Deeper guides:

Investing & Wealth — Grow Over Time

Once your emergency fund is ready, learn long-term investing methods that fit Saudi rules and platforms. Start simple, keep costs low, and stay consistent.

Deeper guides:

Insurance — Protect What Matters

Understand the coverage you need by life stage—car, health, travel, life, and home—so a single event does not derail your plan.

Deeper guides:

Internet & Mobile — Plans, Phones and Savings

Pick the right SIM, phone and home internet. Compare network coverage, “unlimited” rules, and bundle opportunities that reduce monthly costs.

Deeper guides:

Loans & Financing — Borrow Wisely

Compare personal, car and home financing options, including Shariah-compliant contracts. Understand fees, eligibility and repayment rules.

Deeper guides:

Jobs & Side Hustles — Earn More

Grow income through better salary deals, in-demand skills, or compliant freelancing. Extra income accelerates every goal.

Deeper guides:

Decision Guide — What to Do Next

  1. Open or optimize your bank account and wallet. Then set a simple budget. See Bank Accounts and Budgeting Basics.

  2. Build 1–3 months of expenses in cash. Automate transfers. See How to Automate Savings.

  3. Start long-term investing with ETFs/sukuk. Keep costs low. See ETFs & Mutual Funds and Sukuk.

  4. Add core protections: car, health, travel, life. See Insurance.

  5. Optimize telecom to cut monthly costs. See SIM Cards and Fiber Internet.

FAQ

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