How I Saved 100 Million Won on a 3 Million Won Monthly Salary (feat. Changes in Spending Habits)
I’m sharing what I learned while saving 100 million won last year. I’m an office worker earning 3 million won a month, and it took me three and a half years. The key was minimizing fixed expenses + side project income. I lived in a semi-basement studio with 300,000 won monthly rent, ate lunch at the company cafeteria, and cooked dinner at home. I commuted by bike. I saved at least 1.5 million won every month and put the rest into stock ETFs. The important thing wasn’t ‘just endure it’ but finding ‘joyful frugality.’ For example, I picked up a hobby of brewing coffee at home instead of going to cafes, and it turned out to be more satisfying. Keep it up, everyone!
7 answers
How was living in a semi-basement for your health? I'm also looking into semi-basements to save money, but I'm a bit worried about humidity and ventilation. Still, seeing reviews of saving 100 million won gives me courage!
It seems like your side project must have been quite profitable. How many hours per week did you invest in it? I get exhausted quickly after work no matter what I try. Any tips would be appreciated.
I agree with the idea of enjoyable saving. I've also found that just enduring things unconditionally doesn't last long. Brewing coffee beans at home—I'll give that a try too. But could you recommend some ETF options?
Wow, that's really impressive. A semi-basement apartment with 300,000 won monthly rent and commuting by bike... I'm in a similar situation, but I haven't even saved 10 million won, let alone 100 million. Would you mind if I asked what side projects you worked on?
If you earned about 3 million won per month for three and a half years, that would be roughly 120 million won. Considering taxes, that's some extreme frugality. I'm in the same situation, so why can't I manage like this... This is motivating.
I'm so jealous... I also earn 300, but if I save 150 each month, is it possible to live on 150? Including electricity and communication bills, it seems tight. Could you share the specific expense breakdown?
Saving joyfully is the best! Instead, I made exercise my saving hobby—rather than signing up for a gym, I just follow YouTube workouts at home. Let's all keep fighting in our own ways!