Earning vs. Saving: Are You a Specialist or a Well-Rounded Warrior?
The "save more vs. earn more" debate is one of the most common discussions I have with young professionals. While your others’ advice might sound motivational, it misses a crucial point I’ve observed after years of wealth planning: financial success isn’t binary—it’s an orchestrated dance between both saving and earning.
Most people are specialists when it comes to money.
I have two friends, both native Beijingers, so neither has to pay rent. Their salaries are roughly the same, but after three years, their savings are worlds apart.
Friend A earns less than RMB 10,000 per month, with a small year-end bonus, making her annual income around RMB 120,000–130,000. Still, she managed to save RMB 300,000 in three years.
Friend B, on the other hand, earns RMB 150,000 a year. After three years, her savings? Zero.
Friend A doesn’t have many hobbies, doesn’t shop for clothes or figurines, and rarely eats out on weekends—clearly strong in the saving department.
Friend B loves shopping and goes out with friends every weekend. She lives paycheck to paycheck. Between the two, A obviously has superior saving skills.
Then there’s Friend C, now earning RMB 500,000 a year. He is considering upgrading to a rental that costs RMB 8–9k per month. C spends a lot, but because his income has steadily increased, he still manage to save around RMB 100,000 annually. C is clearly strong in earning more money.
There is also the legendary all-rounder!
Friend D also earns RMB 500,000 annually but lives very frugally—spending half as much as C on rent and daily expenses. This kind of all-around warrior earns more and saves more!
So, when it comes to money—are you a specialist or a well-rounded fighter?
Do you have any clever earning or saving tips to share with fellow Tigers?
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given the choice, I would want to earn more so that I can save more [Grin] [Grin] [Grin] I have learned to save the first thing when I get my [USD] [USD] [USD] so that when at times I do spend more, at least I know I have already set aside some [USD] [USD] [USD] and yeah, don't think about so there is no temptation to get them out... self control, self discipline... I need more of them [Sly] [Sly] [Sly]
"save more vs. earn more" debate is one of the most common discussions I have with young professionals.
So, when it comes to money—are you a specialist or a well-rounded fighter?
Do you have any clever earning or saving tips to share with fellow Tigers?
leave your comments to win tiger coins~
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I try to be a well-rounded warrior. I actively look for ways to grow my income through upskilling, investing, or side projects, while keeping expenses in check. I track spending, avoid unnecessary subscriptions, & think twice before upgrading my lifestyle. Simple habits like cooking at home or setting automatic savings transfers help me stay consistent.
One tip I’d share is to treat savings like a fixed monthly bill & automate it. Whether my income is higher or lower, that habit stays. At the same time, I focus on boosting income potential. Over time, this balanced strategy really adds up & that’s where true wealth begins.
@Tiger_comments @TigerStars
我以前是典型的“省钱型选手”，比如每月预算写得比财务报表还仔细，能省一块是一块。但慢慢我发现，这种方式虽然安全，但它的上限太低。所以我开始琢磨怎么增加收入。第一步是把兴趣变现，比如我喜欢写作，就开始接一些品牌稿；后来又学了点基本投资，把定期存款的钱慢慢转进指数基金，每年目标5-7%的回报。
我觉得聪明的储蓄技巧不是“极致节俭”，而是“有规划的省”。例如我把年终奖一分为三：一份投资，一份应急金，一份奖励自己，这样既稳又不会觉得活得苦哈哈。赚钱也一样，别等有空才找副业，有热情就从一小时一小时做起，时间自己会挤出来。
所以，别只做“专家”，试着多练几条财务肌肉，说不定你也能成为财务上的“六边形战士”。