It has been argued that consumption and economic behaviour are strongly related. Malaysia is currently experiencing good economic growth, urbanisation, modernisation in technology and social and demographic change, especially in terms of a consumption-orientated lifestyle. Malaysian household expenses have a significant impact on the national economy. The recent economic crisis has also contributed to changes in the structure of Malaysia's current economic growth due to its impact on the current expenditure of households. One of the factors driving household expenses is total household income, which determines a household's ability to spend. Household spending is often changed by the strength of the economy as illustrated by the recession or economic crises of 1986, 1997, 1998 and 2008. The economic crises had contributed to a decrease in income and the purchasing power parity of households. This paper examines the roles of expenditure, basic needs and other demographic factors in explaining the concept of 'survivability' in Malaysia's current economic environment. Suggestions and recommendations will be offered aimed at educating households towards becoming good financial planners.