I am a saver and I use the delayed gratification method. I hope to inspire others to save.

I came from a humble background. My father distributes newspaper, holds a F&B job and another F&B job at night. He also picks up items like a garang uni and I enjoyed second hand clothes, furnitures etc since young.

As a result, I become a saver.

I made most of my decisions based on dollar and cents. Most of my clothes are recycled items. I choose food from the menu base on price.

Before I entered NUS, I worked part time and even on public holidays to get double pay.

I managed to go on exchange programme with grants and didnt pay anything as I receieved grant.

I also borrowed books from the library and photocopied them with my company’s photocopying machine when I was on the night shift.

I also sold my books and projects after every semester.

I managed to save and pay off my study loan before I graduated.

When I started the workforce, my starting pay was $2700. Then, the financial crisis hit and it dropped to $2500. I worked for under 3k pay for the next 3 years before I became self-employed.

As a self-employed, I earned about $10k to $15k a month. I saved and managed to get my BTO fully paid before I reach my MOP. I also paid for my car with cash. We chose the cheapest but new car.

When my wallet got fatter, I walked into branded shops and tried to buy one of the branded items. I looked at the price and felt disgusted, and I walked off. Paying such a high price for these items doesnt make sense for me.

I continued to stay with my in-laws.

When I become a parent, I got recycled items for my children. I almost didnt buy any clothes, same for myself.

Then in my mid-30s, I realised I have saved almost $1m, mostly in cash. With that, I purchased a freehold landed property.

I continued to stay with my in-laws.

I leased out the property, finding a tenant to finance my mortgage. I am now saving up for a second property.

Once I get my second property, I will move to my landed and find more assets to buy.

This is my story. From garang guni to landed. I hope everyone can start saving.