Have you ever dreamt of owning multiple houses by the ripe old age of 34? Seems like something out of your weekend Monopoly game night, right? Well, listen up, because this is exactly what a woman in Japan achieved, and it all boils down to one thing: Frugality. With a capital F, guys. This real-life Ramen Noodle Queen proves that extreme savings can be a path to property paradise. But before you dust off your instant noodle stash and swear off lattes forever, let’s consider and see if this approach is as delicious (or disastrous) as it sounds.
Most frugal woman’ in Japan spends RM6.10 a day on food,
Yating Yang, The Star
saves enough to buy three houses by 34
A Life of Leftovers
The article sheds light on this champion saver’s impressive feat. Apparently, her secret weapon wasn’t a high-paying job or a lottery win. It was her unwavering commitment to frugality. Her daily food budget? A measly 200 yen, which translates to around RM6.00. That’s right, folks, for every ringgit you spend on your morning americano, she’s living it up on…well, maybe a pack of ramen and a side of contemplation. Eating out? Forget about it. This queen of thrift whipped up every single meal in her kitchen, mastering the art of culinary minimalism. Her wardrobe and furniture followed suit – second-hand stores were her best friends, and upgrades were practically non-existent.
The House Whisperer
So, what did this extreme economising achieve? By the time she hit 34, she wasn’t just a pro at noodle-boiling, but almost a property tycoon! Three houses, to be exact. Now, that’s what I call a return on investment (on a lifetime of maggi mee). The article doesn’t disclose the locations or sizes of these houses, but let’s imagine for a second. Maybe one was a cozy studio apartment that doubled as her kitchen/living room/temple of frugality. The second could be a slightly larger place with a dedicated space for, wait for it, a mini-fridge to store her precious ramens. And the third? Well, that’s probably where she keeps her collection of slightly-used towels (because who needs new ones, right?).
Is Frugality the New Black?
But before you ditch your Netflix subscription and start hoarding ketchup packets from your fast food joints, let’s address the elephant in the room (or rather, the maggi mee box in the corner). Is this woman’s brand of extreme saving a recipe for success applicable to everyone? Hold your horses, aspiring maggi mee real estate tycoons. There’s more to consider than just mastering the art of deprivation.
Frugality: Friend or Foe?
For some, frugality can be a superpower. It allows you to be mindful of your spending, avoid impulse purchases, and, of course, save a significant amount of money. This can be a great way to achieve financial goals, like buying a house (or three, if you’re feeling ambitious). But here’s the catch: Frugality can morph into a villain in disguise if taken too far. Obsessively cutting corners can leave you feeling deprived, restricted, and frankly, a little bit ‘hangry’. Remember, life is about balance, and while saving is important, so is enjoying the fruits (or should I say maggi) of your labor.
The Malaysian Take on Affordability
Now, let’s talk about Malaysia. The article focuses on Japan, but the core concept of frugality applies universally. The truth is, Malaysians are no strangers to being resourceful. From whipping up delicious meals from last night’s leftovers to finding creative uses for old clothes, there’s a certain inherent savviness in the Malaysian spirit. However, it’s important to consider the cost of living in Malaysia compared to Japan. While extreme savings might be necessary to buy three houses in Tokyo, Malaysians might achieve homeownership with a more balanced approach to frugality.
Quality of Life
The big question remains: Is sacrificing everything for extreme saving worth it? Here’s the thing – it depends. If the idea of multiple houses stoke your inner-drive and you thrive on muji-style, then maybe this path is for you. But if the thought of living on indomee for years on end makes you want to scream, then there are other ways to save and achieve your financial goals. Remember, true wealth isn’t just about the number of houses you own, it’s about the quality of life you experience.
A Balanced Approach
Instead of going all-in on extreme saving, consider a more balanced approach. Set realistic financial goals, create a budget that works for you, and find ways to save without compromising your happiness. Explore hobbies that don’t cost a fortune, cook at home more often (but don’t feel guilty about treating yourself to a nice meal every now and then), and prioritize experiences over material possessions.
A Lesson in Inspiration
While the woman in the article might have taken frugality to the extreme, her story can still be inspiring. It shows us that with dedication and determination, it’s possible to achieve significant financial goals. But it’s also a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to saving. The key is to find a balance that works for you and your lifestyle.
So, the next time you’re tempted to splurge on that latest gadget or dine out every night, remember the Ramen-eating Queen. But also remember that life is too short to live solely on instant noodles. Find your own happy medium between frugality and enjoyment, and you might just discover that you can achieve your dreams without sacrificing your sanity (or your taste buds).
Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/08/27/most-frugal-woman-in-japan-spends-rm610-a-day-on-food-saves-enough-to-buy-three-houses-by-34
