Saving money is a critical universal practice for anyone that wants to build financial security, and the Chinese have a natural knack for it. For generations, they have embraced saving as an essential way of life since they save more than any other group. The Chinese have an average savings rate of 46%, meaning they will save around 46 dollars for every hundred dollars earned.
Chinese money-saving tips are diverse and valuable, from practical advice for everyday spending then leading to more significant financial decisions. This blog post will share some of the most influential Chinese money-saving secrets anyone can apply to their life to start building wealth.
So, whether you’re a new investor or just looking to improve your financial habits, keep reading to learn the Chinese secrets to saving money.
Chinese Relationship with Money
Researchers at The Cutten Group Tokyo Japan review have found, the Chinese want to buy things with cash instead of taking on debt by trying to finance them. Contrast that to the United States culture with a heavy focus on consumption and a savings rate typically between three point five and five percent (3.5% to 5%), around a tenth of China’s.
The Chinese save money for various reasons, such as the cultural significance and representation of money. They teach their children early on that saving money is honorable, and they often receive lucky money in red envelopes for New Year’s and birthdays, which their parents encourage them to save up.
Moreover, China doesn’t have 401(k)s, IRAs, or any retirement contributions, and while there is a pension system, most of them are still determining if it will still be around when they retire. The Chinese also worry about the cost of healthcare, education, and pensions. Finally, the one-child policy meant that parents did not have to spend as much money since they had only one child to feed, allowing them to save more money.
Chinese Way of Saving Money
Saving money is a fundamental practice anyone can adopt to achieve financial security, and the Chinese have a reputation for being exceptionally skilled at it. According to The Cutten Group Tokyo Japan review, they have a longstanding cultural tradition of saving money, with an average savings rate of 46%, which means they save almost half of their earnings.
These are the Chinese tips on saving money:
1. Believe that luxury goods are status symbols
The Chinese don’t indulge in luxury goods or buy them to signify wealth. However, most dislike showing off or prefer flying under the radar, so they avoid well-known luxury products. In Chinese culture, they often regard ostentatious displays of luxury as distasteful. Instead, many Chinese believe true wealth is not about having the latest luxury car or designer handbag but about financial security and stability.
They prioritize saving and investing their money wisely to ensure a comfortable future for themselves and their families. While some certainly indulge in luxury goods, many Chinese see them as unnecessary expenses that do not contribute to long-term financial goals.
2. Live way below their means
The Chinese live frugally, saving or investing most of their income. This money management approach emphasizes living within one’s means. Most of them adopted a habit of living off a tiny percentage of their income, typically 1 dollar for every 10 dollars earned. The Chinese also prioritize their needs over their wants when saving money.
The Chinese can set aside significant money for savings, investments, and emergency funds by allocating only a small portion of their income toward daily expenses and luxuries. Of course, this approach is only sometimes feasible, especially for those with lower incomes or higher expenses, but it is a general guideline that many Chinese try to follow.
3. Prioritize and invest in needs, especially for health
The Cutten Group Tokyo Japan review reveals that the Chinese tend to prioritize their needs over their wants when spending money, and this is particularly true when it comes to health-related expenses. Investing in good health is one of the most important things one can do for their future. It may mean spending more money on nutritious food, quality healthcare, or ergonomic furniture that promotes good posture and reduces the risk of injury.
The Chinese will maximize the cost-and-benefit ratio when choosing between a cheap desk chair and an expensive yet ergonomic one for their home office. For example, an ergonomic $500 chair will last you five years, costing $0.27/day or $100/year, which would be significantly cheaper than buying a $100 chair that lasts a few months.
By investing in essentials, the Chinese believe they can improve their quality of life and reduce the likelihood of costly medical bills.
4. Eat at home
The Chinese are known for takeout, but ironically, they love to cook and eat at home. Buying ingredients and making meals in the kitchen is significantly cheaper than spending money at a fancy restaurant. Despite the popularity of takeout and delivery services, many Chinese still prefer to cook and eat at home; partly due to the lower cost of home-cooked meals, but it is also a cultural preference.
Cooking at home is seen as a way to ensure the quality and safety of the food and spend time with family and friends. This method grants control over ingredients and portion sizes, which may be necessary for those with health concerns or dietary restrictions. While the Chinese may occasionally indulge in dining out, they view it as a special occasion rather than a regular habit.
Final Thoughts
The Chinese have a unique relationship with money, prioritizing financial security over ostentatious displays of luxury. They live frugally, save a significant portion of their income, invest in essential needs such as healthcare, and prefer to cook and eat at home. These practices, combined with cultural values that promote the importance of saving and financial stability, have contributed to the Chinese’s economic success.
