While many young professionals in Beijing spend their salaries enjoying city life, one 29-year-old has chosen a very different path by prioritising savings over spending.
Photo via SCMP
Known online as “Little Grass Drifting North”, the man works as a live-stream host for a major tech company. But behind his digital persona is a story shaped by hardship. His strict saving habits began after a childhood tragedy.
When he was just a schoolboy, his mother became seriously ill. The medical bills pushed his family into debt, leaving a lasting impression on him, “That time taught me that without money, you’re helpless,” he told Chinese media outlet Jiupai News. “I never want to be in that situation again.”
Determined to avoid financial instability, he adopted an extreme approach to saving after graduating from university. Today, he spends less than 500 yuan (around RM297) each month on food. He mostly cooks simple meals at home, with each meal costing under RM5. His biggest recurring expense is his rent, which costs around 2,500 yuan (about RM1,484) per month.
Over six years, his discipline has paid off. He has managed to save 1.3 million yuan (approximately RM772,000) and hopes to reach his goal of 2 million yuan (RM1.18 million), enough to buy a home and a car.
Photo via SCMP
Despite his strict lifestyle, he says he is not stingy. He has enjoyed company-sponsored trips and now admits that his strict routine has affected his health. He has started spending more on his well-being and his parents’ health.
“I want to buy a home so my parents can live comfortably. And when I have time, I’ll take them travelling too,” he said. He also hopes to get married and start his own family someday.
For him, saving money is not just a financial plan. It is his way of ensuring he never feels powerless again.
