Saki Tamogami, a remarkable 39-year-old from Japan, has captured the attention of many with her incredible story of frugality and financial success.
Dubbed Japan’s “Most Frugal Woman” Saki has managed to achieve the extraordinary feat of purchasing three houses in just 15 years, all while living on a mere S$1.80 (200 yen) a day for food.
Her journey is not just about saving money; it’s about a mindset that could inspire anyone looking to take control of their finances.
The Early Days: A Goal Set at 19
Saki’s journey began at the young age of 19 when she set a bold goal: to own three houses by the time she turned 34. With determination and a clear plan, she embarked on a path that would require significant sacrifices and a steadfast commitment to her financial principles.
Living Frugally: A Daily Routine
In 2019, Saki showcased her incredibly frugal lifestyle on a Japanese television show, revealing that her daily food budget is a mere S$1.80. Her meals typically consist of simple, home-cooked dishes such as toast, udon noodles, and discounted radishes.
- Meal Strategy: Saki spends less than S$0.45 (50 yen) per meal, often treating herself with small indulgences like jam on bread or a piece of salmon with rice.
- Dishwashing Hacks: To save on dishwashing costs, she avoids buying extra tableware and prefers to eat directly from the pot.
Building Wealth Through Smart Investments
After graduating from university, Saki entered the real estate market, where she diligently saved most of her salary. Her financial mantra, “Never buy anything without a discount,” guided her decisions, leading her to forgo splurging on clothes and furniture in favor of hand-me-downs and second-hand items.
- Selling Hair for Extra Cash: Saki even takes her frugality a step further by selling her long, untreated hair for around S$28 (3100 yen) whenever it grows long enough.
- Tracking Every Yen: She meticulously records every expense, ensuring she knows exactly where her money goes.
Real Estate Success: The Properties
Saki’s commitment to her goals paid off when she purchased her first house in Saitama, Tokyo, for 10 million yen (S$90K) at the age of 27.
- Second and Third Purchases: Two years later, she bought a second house for 18 million yen (S$162K), and by 2019, just before her 35th birthday, she completed her goal by acquiring a third house for 37 million yen (S$334K).
The Cat Cafe
Saki’s frugal lifestyle is not solely about accumulating wealth; it’s also driven by her compassion for stray cats. She operates Cafe Yuunagi, a cat cafe located on the ground floor of her third house, where she shelters many strays and uses the cafe’s profits to support them.
- Sustaining the Cafe: Although the cafe isn’t highly profitable, Saki’s steady income from her rental properties allows her to continue her mission of rescuing cats.
A Vision for Growth
Saki remains focused on her real estate career and plans to expand her portfolio further. She believes in spending her money and energy on what she loves, which includes both her properties and her feline friends.
Inspiring Others to Save
Saki’s disciplined approach to life has garnered praise from netizens, many of whom admire her ability to achieve remarkable accomplishments through sheer willpower and frugality. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication and smart financial choices, anyone can achieve their dreams.