Savings savvy: Shandong woman, 36, achieves early retirement

A 36-year-old woman in China’s Shandong province has garnered online attention after announcing her early retirement built on a combination of smart saving and a comfortable nest egg.

Wang, a resident of Jinan, accumulated 3 million yuan ($414,000) through years of financial discipline and frugal living, allowing her to retire early with a monthly income stream from her investments. The news, initially reported by Jimu News on Friday, has sparked discussion on social media platform Weibo.

Wang’s early retirement videos addressed concerns about managing expenses. She revealed investments generating 8,000-9,000 yuan monthly interest, sufficient to cover her needs. Additionally, her husband’s continued employment ensures their standard of living remains stable.

Prior to her early retirement, Wang earned 10,000-20,000 yuan monthly, with her husband similarly enjoying a good income. Their savings were a combined effort, achieved through avoiding unnecessary spending. Before quitting her job, Wang consistently saved around 10,000 yuan ($1,389) monthly.

Wang prioritizes comfort and functionality over brand names when buying clothes. Similarly, she values healthy and enjoyable meals over expensive dining experiences. This rational approach to consumption contributed significantly to their financial security.

Regarding their 8-year-old daughter’s education, Wang prioritizes a nurturing environment over excessive academic pressure. Extracurricular activities are chosen based on her daughter’s interests, costing 10,000-20,000 yuan annually.

Wang attributes her decision to retire early to a challenging job market in her industry due to technological advancements. By the end of 2023, she decided to resign, expressing gratitude for her husband’s support.