Job Discussion Forums

[Pelham]

I've heard various quotes on how much can be saved in Japan... but on the average salary, is it that hard to save at least $800 (USD) a month? (and I mean , living very moderately, using a bike as much as possible for transport, bars/clubs only about twice a month, eating at home most nights..etc)

[BobbyBan]

[Glenski]

In my opinion, no, it's not that hard.

Typical salary of 250,000.
Half is used for basic necessities (rent, utilities, food, insurance, phone/Internet).

Go out a couple times a week and drink conservatively, and you'll still have 75,000 left over. So a more frugal person (for example, one who finds the all-you-can-eat/drink places, or the happy hours, or one who drinks from the supermarket shelves/vending machines) should find it fairly easy to save that much.

It won't always come easy, though. The temptation to spend is strong. Some people recommend banking what you want to save immediately (and overseas where it's harder to touch) after payday.

[GIR]

If you're capable of saving money in America, you should have no problems saving money here. If you struggled with it back home, you're probably going to struggle with it here.

[flyer]

and of course you maybe lucky and get a higher wage!!

... I was lucky enough to get a job with a wage much more than 250,000yen per month
and hense saving $800 is no problem

but these well paying jobs are few and far between, generally they require experience

[steki47]

My advice is to write up a budget and try to stick to it as best as you can. Like you would in your own country. Getting paid once a month helps you (or pushes you) to organize and save your money. I set up a weekly and monthly budget and gave myself room for error. Round up all your numbers.

I gave myself Y20,000 for food, going out, etc. After a few months, I found that I get by on Y15,000. Bit less drinking with friends, but I was saving Y60-70K/month. And still ate, paid rent, had a beer and DVD on occasion.

[jgmodlin]

They key to saving is to get some private students. The people I knew who really managed to save a lot almost always had many private students.

Another thing is to try to cobble together as much part-time work as possible. Part-time work is generally better paid and can really add up.

Line up solid work during the day and try to fill up the early evenings with part-time/privates. Working more also means you'll generally have less time to spend too!

FYI I usually managed to send $1000 to $2000 back home each month, some periods of time more than that.

[steki47]

[jgmodlin]

[steki47]