Living On $100K A Year in Orange County, California | Millennial Money

[@themillennialcpa]

Hi guys it's Kim here! (Graham Stephan reference) THANK YOU so much for all your kind words. I'm so grateful to have been a part of this series and share with you guys my story. I love the personal finance community!

[@janicelee6697]

Congrats Kim! You’re amazing!

[@hotmama298]

You're doing great, you will reach your goals.

[@aic0809]

Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us! It takes courage and vulnerability to do so. I’m an older millennial and am truly inspired by you!

[@akirebara]

Congrats, Kim! You are amazing! I’m so sure you’ll FIRE in no time. Cheers!

[@kishaf23]

You’re doing so well Kim. You are definitely an inspiration. I have one question, can you share your budget spread sheet. It looks really cool and something I can use.

[@Y_Canada]

A woman who makes $100k and walks dogs to pay off her mom's mortgage... She's so inspiring!

[@DonMikimax]

Waste of time.

[@knightingg8324]

100k in California is not that much actually.

[@milkyway_939]

@@knightingg8324 it’s kinda sad she needed to save for over a year. I wouldn’t call this financial stability :/

[@tonyg.482]

Saving 28,000 on a year is crazy wym

[@YellowFlowerofTexas]

@@DonMikimax yeah you can make more doing a part time job as a recruiter. I'm a senior financial analyst but I can do the part time too

[@Tabbylover55]

Seeing how she cares so deeply for her mom is really beautiful. They obviously love each other very much, and she didn't take anything her mom did for her for granted, kudos to them both.

[@akirebara]

Only $6000 on their wedding? I love that! Also, the fact that they got married in their house. I love that even more. They'll reach FIRE soon enough.

[@finaistand9968]

Thanks~~~~

[@akirebara]

@@auroramothergoddess I have no idea what you’re talking about

[@akirebara]

@@auroramothergoddess I didn’t remove anything but I did notice that you are replying angrily to a lot of the positive comments here about Kim, some of which seem racist & hateful. Not sure what your deal is, but I would suggest channeling your anger into something else besides writing angry KZbin comments. Maybe strive to do something positive for someone in your life. That should take some time away from your phone/computer for a bit. Cheers.

[@jennyk.8349]

Our 2021 wedding costs was less than $500 personally 6,000 seems like a lot of money anything in the thousands seems expensive!

[@akirebara]

@@jennyk.8349 Wow! That's so great! I love that. I cannot fathom spending more than $6K for a wedding. I think her budget was good enough for an intimate, yet fun experience for her and her family & close friends. Anything bigger than this - that's just a flex at that point.

[@jones2277]

this is a great example of how important generational wealth is. it doesn't mean your family is wealthy; it just means you have the means to financially support, boost, or provide your social capital for your loved ones when they need it. it's nothing to be ashamed of. she and her husband are clearly hard workers who valued the help they got and will pay it forward to the generations that follow them.

[@SL-lz9jr]

It's true. It really has nothing to do with having wealthy family members. Just those with enough disposable income to provide a leg up. It makes all the difference.

[@benrickbaptist4313]

Love this ❤

[@drewconway7135]

She’s doing great! I was so glad to hear they kept their wedding expenses down. Big weddings are a terrible waste of money.

[@finaistand9968]

Thanks~~~~

[@twalsh1801]

studies show the more expensive the wedding the more likely the marriage does not last

[@jjowah]

We agree to disagree. If you have a big wedding where your gifts equal the amount spent then you just made amazing memories you won't forget haha but ofcourse most of the time that's not the case

[@drewconway7135]

@@jjowah Or you could skip the ceremony, still get the gifts, and come out ahead.

[@jjowah]

@@drewconway7135 that is true haha

[@Dreabz617]

The is woman is so impressive. She’s obviously really smart and extremely caring. As an immigrant myself, I appreciate seeing someone who has made helping out her parents a financial goal. Awesome and inspiring episode ❤️

[@uncomfortabletruths7990]

Ok I’m not hating or anything but this is not impressive what so ever she is literally a normal person I’m literally going through exactly what she has went through already so have my older 2 sisters and a lot of friends around me she just hit it already but we all getting there

[@Dreabz617]

@@uncomfortabletruths7990 stats show that 70% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, with some not even any having retirement funds or emergency funds. This woman managed to save 28k in one year to pay her mom’s mortgage on top of all her other expenses and savings. I think 70% of Americans would disagree with you that what she’s doing isn’t impressive, especially when she didn’t come from wealth and privilege. Props to you and your friends who happen to also be on the minority.

[@denzelb1333]

@@uncomfortabletruths7990 keep crying tho

[@sun_free]

@@uncomfortabletruths7990 “we are all getting there” no, that’s not the reality for everybody. Not everyone is fortunate. Don’t be close-minded

[@changenoways9555]

Why do you have to say this woman why cant you just say this person? LOL I am joking

[@MinisterMishkin]

She's killing it. I wish more families took care of each other like she has.

[@Pquinter1]

Some people see it as a bad thing unfortunately. My spouse did and had to divorce because of it.

[@SkankHuntForty2]

They do. They're called "Asians."

[@lynwill9946]

She's doing very well. Have a $3600 mortgage divided by two individuals is 1800 a month. You can't get a one bedroom apartment for 1800 a month in major cities. She is doing great.

[@552mustang]

Whereas I live in one the high COL areas in the nation Seattle and pay 1400 a month including property tax for a 3BR 2000 sq ft house. Current rent and mortgages are just taxes on new suckers who want to move here.

[@alp.9672]

1800 is enough for 1bd apartment, you’re definitely exaggerating

[@teacheschem]

@@alp.9672 - depends on where. $2000 is a one bedroom in my building in the Bronx in NYC. Can’t even imagine what it’s like in Manhattan. My husband’s client has a 1 bedroom in Manhattan and pays $6000/month.

[@alp.9672]

@@teacheschem NYC the most expensive city in USA also. I’m from tri state Im familiar with our rent prices.

[@Zero11_ss]

@@teacheschem There are plenty of 1 bedrooms in the bronx for $1,300 to $1,600.

[@dr.wesker]

$45K from the parents isn’t exactly “no help”.

[@twalsh1801]

its downpayment for future living arrangement with the dad

[@kauigirl808]

30k is dad's secure payment for future living arrangement lmao 🤣 the 15k is just the commission they didn't have to deduct.

[@ayeshadhillon3766]

Truly amazing young woman! The story of her saving up for her mom, picking up extra jobs etc. is absolutely beautiful to hear- you can literally just FEEL the love of their relationship. Good for you and wishing all the success for you and your mom (and families!) in the future.

[@jeffsibert647]

This is one of the best ones Ive watched so far. Not only did she make great strives and used great tactics but its one of the more relatable videos lately, salary wise

[@desultorilypanacea]

She's so nice to her family most people don't help out. They say that is their problem.

[@finaistand9968]

Thanks~~~~

[@queline213]

I think it's easy for her to do this seeing how much her mother sacrifice for her. Although parents are supposed to care for their kids and be selfless, that is not always the case with parents, especially fathers. I noticed how she mentioned her mother over and over again when making sure her mother will be always cared for. She is showing gratitude for what her mother did for her when they had very little. Perhaps daddy wasn't much of help when he separated from her mom. Seeing that he gave her 30,000 toward the house only to secure his future .

[@ilovegoodsax]

It's part of the Asian culture, your parents and elders in general are respected and revered.

[@BlackFlashDrive]

Chinese culture is like that. Our parents took care of their parents, and my children will take care of me. It’s a cycle where everybody is taken care of. This is one of the reasons why you rarely see homeless Chinese people

[@thaiproud2b12]

Pretty much echo what others have said; part of Asian culture. Pretty much see most white people here in the UK put their parents in a care home or visit them/call once in a blue moon leaving them to rely on pensions. No way would that happen culturally for most Asians. Sad really.

[@budgetwithjenny]

She’s doing amazing and I love how she is helping her mom out. She is someone to look up to!

[@monicarenee7949]

Her story sounds soooo similar to mine, from the cheap wedding with DIY, side gigs, buying mom’s house, and rental property. I wish her the best, she’s sure to reach her goals!

[@nicolasnicolas274]

Great comment, inspires me to do the same! All the best for you and her, hope you can reach your goals soon!

[@akin242002]

Graduated college debt free is the best starting point. Especially for an economics major. Also with $2,680 invested per month, she is maxing out her Roth IRA and 401k adjusted annually. Plus some extra investing in a regular taxable brokerage account. Smart!

[@paengguin9381]

She is SMART and hard-working. Also a loving daughter to her Mom. She has goals and she is motivated to achieve all of them! She is a good role model for kids nowadays. Many kids feel entitled and are lazy.

[@sweetflower7959]

That is true 😞

[@sweitang6305]

I’m an immigrant to Australia....this story is truly inspirational...can relate to helping parents out as I come from an Asian background myself. What is really inspiring is how Kim is budgeting so well to live frugally whilst still having fun. Good to see mum is doing well too. These stories inspire me and motivate me to work harder to provide for my family

[@skfkfkd]

I don't think this is accurate. Since she's married and shares her expenses with her husband she's not really living on just $100k and neither is he

[@ipasarea-ok3994]

"How to live comfortably with two 6 figure incomes and no kids."

[@kelvinkuzy]

She's so funny, performing for her guest lmao. Impressive, she's doing everything right. Graaaaahammmmmm time to review.

[@ericshang7744]

oh well, she didn't have the instant coffee, so not a pass just yet.

[@sharlenelockett2224]

I love that they made their wedding so personal. The big weddings with stuff to impress others is unfortunate. Helping your family is such a great feeling especially when they are trying to accomplish something on their own and you can help them reach the goal. Great segment.

[@RyanLogan01]

these videos keep getting better and better! love how financially responsible she is at such an early age. you love to see it!!!

[@skylinec83]

She's 27. Assuming she graduated 5 years ago and assuming she split the house down payment with her husband, she's been able to save at least $20k or 20% of her gross income per year. $80k for the house, $28k for her mom, a few here and there for wedding, furniture, etc. That takes legit discipline and hustle. I see that immigrant grit and work ethic is strong in her. I'd invest dad's $30k into an ADU or in-law suite down the line tho...

[@MrTacoMan123]

I’d like to point out most likely she didn’t start her career at 100k per year. But yeah she has legit discipline I aspire to have one day

[@rebeccavl97]

They both definitely have the lifestyle I aspire to have someday with a partner! I also love the fact they kept their wedding expenses low and instead spent their money on more useful things!

[@j_jungy]

This is one of the greatest ones I've seen, Kim is a rockstar

[@Emilyghe]

I feel you! I lived in my aunt/uncle’s house the first year after I came to US and they were very mean to me. Then moved to dorm and continued my life without them being cold blood relatives. One reason to not want my parents to move here with me.

[@finaistand9968]

Thanks~~~~

[@The_Bronze_Spoon_Investor]

Hi Kim, I love your sense of independence! That is really cool that you learned while working in the finance industry to save more and invest your money. Oh my gosh I love the house wedding idea! At first I was like dang, living with parents for two years then you guys bought this massive and expensive house. Good for you guys on finding a way to rent out a room and Kim planning that budget for your mom is absolutely incredible. Awesome experience, thanks for sharing your story!

[@itstatilol4392]

She seems like she’s got a good handle on money, would love to do the same!

[@milkyway_939]

She seem very kind and respectful towards her family. Not really good with money tho. She could be financially free within a year with her income and don’t worry about calculating every penny carefully.

[@travel9two557]

Wow really liked her way of thinking about her mom, present and future. She is very good with money, saving and spending. Congrats to her and family

[@aldralee]

This brilliant and beautiful woman deserves a standing ovation! Such dedication and love. Saving money on the wedding was so smart. Her family is so lucky.

[@lumpyspacecadet]

She's from a culture that's into supporting members of the family. Americans don't care about their own family members. That's why there are so many white homeless people. It's the lack of caring/compassionate family to help them out.

[@MOBMJ]

this is probably the best one I've seen yet, its so different then the ones in the past because it covers different things about the person that were never before. another thing I really could relate to this one because my dad was a immigrant. and how through out my life he taught me about finances and how his life was back then and educating me to not make the financial mistakes he made. also what makes this a special one for me especially is I am from Orange County and still live there now. I love my home town and so glad to see this from CNBC Make It

[@dchen1010]

That's awesome. Spending only $6000 on a wedding is such a big win! I see people who spend over 50k on a wedding and that sets them back so much! I love how frugal she is. She'll retire early for sure

[@iamkerenlouise]

She is #goals, love her devotion to make her Mom's life financially stress-free. Truly priceless!

[@Hakeem94]

She was able to afford a home by receiving $30,000 from her dad and was able to save the remainder to by living for free or cheap at her boyfriend's parents' house. That's not statistically realistic for the majority of working-class people.

[@devonta28thKY]

Even without the $30k they would’ve been able to afford the home. They only needed 3.5% down not 20% There are many everyday working class folks who live with family.

[@TinaLeder]

I love that they keep their finances seperate besides shared expenses because they have different money goals. It helps avoid money arguments as a couple especially since they're likely making similar salaries anyway.

[@MattSezer]

But how is it going to work when those goals do or don't come to fruition? It seems like it's just delaying conflict rather than solving it.

[@gtyson188]

You definitely need a little Dave Ramsey in your life.

[@camelliaghotbzadeh2576]

I'm also from Orange County! Awesome being able to find a place for $800k and having a roommate help with the mortgage. I love how I also recognized Orange Circle 😂 Kim seems like she's doing really well for herself!!

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

Then holding hands while walking is precious

[@onekewlbraddah8460]

I like how she always goes back to help out her Ohana no matter what!

[@TruuJones]

The wedding part was REALLY smart/cool

[@katherinezp]

As Chinese, So happy for you and your Mom's get through the tough times.

[@finaistand9968]

Thanks~~~~

[@MrTmenzo]

Wo xiang mai chi dangao to celebrate.

[@auroramothergoddess]

So happy she found a white mans

[@jacksanson3325]

@@auroramothergoddess why

[@dr.wesker]

@@auroramothergoddess you sound jealous. Can’t find yourself a white man?

[@artakopyan8474]

100k salary is the new “50k”. Barely enough to survive and pay bills

[@adunni2606]

remember she lives in a dual income household

[@missminty1996]

In California that is definitely true 😂 especially Orange County. Median income is $135k

[@dericmederos1514]

so many variables here. Graduated debt free. Has a six figure income Has a husband with a six figure income Had parents help with the down payment and realtor was a family member

[@TinaLeder]

Ngl, those budget spreadsheets looked beautiful.😍

[@BrainFish82]

I cried watching this ! Soo cool that they learned to play instruments for their wedding guest. Also, a gem was dropped when she mentioned having a joint credit card when finances are separate

[@lstarkiller1]

What's sad is that $100K is really not a high salary in today's age.

[@Je.rone_]

In California $100K is like $60,000 in most other places in the USA 😅 cali kinda expensive

[@zakariamattu8613]

Exactly that’s really how expensive it in California

[@ilovegoodsax]

It depends on where in the state you live. Not everyone live in SoCal or the Bay Area but people who don't actually live here ignorantly think they know everything about California.🙄💯 Besides that, the wages are higher here than in Kansas or Mississippi so cost of living is all relative. Our state minimum wage is $14/hr, not the federal $7.25 that most states pay.

[@MrTmenzo]

100k gross so 72k net. Not bad

[@theschweetstop]

Less than 60k

[@theendurance]

still better than other states because when you do all the COL adjustments, she is still making and saving more money in CA.

[@JujuGurgel]

Our high schools need stories like this. I remember being in high school and not having any idea of anything financial.

[@muller_509]

She’s killing it!

[@bizmatthew]

Great story Kim! One of my goals is to pay off my parents mortgages also so seeing you do it 9 months makes it more attainable.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Lol at her dad sliding in saying he'll live with them when he retires.

[@Gel5345]

Yeeeeaaaaahhh…that check would have gone uncashed.

[@israeliana]

It's a cultural thing, so he really didn't have to help pay. Nonetheless, she clearly loves her parents. So ☺ gotta support.

[@Polostar79]

Wonder how her husband feels about that🤔

[@themillennialcpa]

LOL it's very normal in Chinese culture to live with the parents or in laws as adults! My husband will have to get over it 😂

[@LMcBee]

Good on you Kim!!

[@katp.4817]

She is beautiful inside out! The way she helped her mom and gave back from raising her. Also I love that her husband support her culture. They look adorable together!

[@JanellKnowsMoney]

This is my all time favorite series. Please keep them coming! It’s so cool to see where other folks are at & how they got there.

[@fe9523]

I don’t get it, if you do the math, with 100K yearly, your monthly net income after taxes is around 5K, so how comes that your monthly spend is around 6K?

[@Brokeloco]

Awesome episode.. I’m financially free and I just Remodeled my aunts whole bathroom it was a blessing to give back .. give like no one else like Dave Ramsey says

[@verybigowl]

I find that 800k price tag for the house scary, respect to her for having the balls to buy that

[@antonyzhou6602]

she doesn't have balls

[@c.mccool1123]

Very inexpensive for that size house in Orange County.

[@dpezzottic9]

Having parents who help you with money and let you stay at their house is such a big advantage! People who move to US on their own don't have those benefits, unfortunately

[@sviatoslavnovosiadlyi611]

I hear you. Those stories are inspirational but let’s be honest, most of immigrants don’t have that backup and are helping their families. So it’s not realistic to save that much and get a house by the time your turn 30

[@watchanime331]

@@sviatoslavnovosiadlyi611 yeah and unfortunately now housing is so expensive so any new immigrants have a huge uphill battle. I’ve been the lucky few

[@dpezzottic9]

@@sviatoslavnovosiadlyi611 Agreed! I really applaud all these stories, as Millennials they really know how to control their budget in a smart way at their age, but when they start mentioning that their parents or any relative somehow help them financially so they can down the road succeed, they just lose me right there, it's not real life for many of us out there, unfortunately.

[@Kemzozo]

I love how she’s helping her mom ❤️

[@ontheaction1]

The discipline is REAL! Congratulations on achieving so much & so early in your career life.

[@isismalls3436]

Love how she takes care of mum😩🙏❤️

[@msthing]

It's true! I paid off my mom's student loans, and it felt so good! Funny how the bank was happy to take the money, they didn't care about who it was coming from :D

[@dextersuarez9948]

100k in cali is like 60k in a midsized midwestern state.

[@agnethapoopiehead]

Omg this story is amazing an resonates so much with me from the story with living with mean family members who looked down on us being new immigrants to helping out our retiring parents. It would be awesome if you share your budget spreadsheets bc they look so organized and beautiful!

[@katp.4817]

May add I also love how she tried to save up from her wedding and work as dog walker just to pay off her mom’s mortgage. I’m so happy with this story!!!! So inspiring !!!

[@kayayichibesa6481]

Buying a house for the wedding venue is a brilliant idea. I would definitely do that if I have the capacity

[@ew805]

Splitting living expenses with husband…… that’s roommates. But…. you are awesome.

[@happylife7542]

I am surprised I guess in a good way that her and her husband have different financial goals. Especially for her who grow up in a Chinese house hold. I say this because me and my husband are also Chinese American. And we have always been taught to combine finances, of course it helps that we have the same goal. However I do think she is doing a great job managing everything at the age of 27… go sister lol

[@auroramothergoddess]

Separate financial goals = divorce

[@LuluLinArt]

@@auroramothergoddess I think if one person wants to save for a business goal while the other wants early retirement, that doesn’t necessarily conflict.

[@TheHippie60]

@@auroramothergoddess sounds like u want to have combined income so u can live off ur husband. 🗣True! Gravy train.. being an independent woman and not depending on her husband is the best financial decision

[@rotimioluwo6550]

@@TheHippie60 what would happen should she get pregnant and is out of work ? I guess he can send her a bill for her half of the household expenses payable 2 weeks post birth . God forbid she/he is sick for an extended time she/e will get evicted for non payment. Separate financial goal = divorce

[@teacheschem]

@@rotimioluwo6550 - She would probably have discussed such things

[@rlstivers1]

I think the most impressive number here is the $224 per month for groceries. No idea how she does that but good for her!

[@latashakelley3550]

Great episode! She is so selfless, helping her mom! I love her Discipline I just don’t know if I agree with her and her husband having everything separate. But to each their own! The important thing is that it works for them.

[@PnoMonies]

This is by far my favorite episode ❤️. Congratulations

[@DemetriPanici]

Orange county looks so cool!

[@finaistand9968]

Thanks~~~~

[@johnz8112]

It's gorgeous!

[@MOBMJ]

it is I'm from Orange County born and raised and still live here today beautiful place, encourage u to visit it

[@ddchomeschool]

Lol I thought $100k wasn’t enough to pay for a house in Orange County- enter husbands 50%. Very inspiring story!

[@bellman1094]

Married but have split expenses. Never end well

[@paengguin9381]

Yup

[@ibdam1]

Goals and sticking to them will produce a better life. This young woman truly seems to understand this simple life lesson.

[@TheDanaYiShow]

Love this episode! I'd love to see update videos on stories like these a few years down the line :o

[@gingerriviera3654]

Wow....this is the best story and adore how Kim's priority is her Mom also...❤

[@noobERNS_it]

"you guys living under my roof, you gotta follow my rules" sounds just like my parents 😅 thankfully not living with them no mo, but definitely thankful for the roof over my head and food in my belly growing up 😁

[@diywebsiteguy]

Great stories! I hope everyone reading this comment will live such a wonderful life Thanks!

[@travelgal8887]

Smart- focus on the marriage, not the wedding.

[@hukunamutata]

She is very smart. I budget the exact same way.

[@sc705]

What a wholesome story. Very inspiring to see her help out her parents. Bravo!

[@livinginoc]

Great video! I love helping people move to our beautiful community!

[@SincerelyDiane]

Loved this episode. She is doing great. I love the drive we immigrant kids have. Was also nice to see someone with my job title represented here!

[@WalksWallStreet]

This is one of my favorite ones! She works hard and I respect that 100%.

[@withpikachu2402]

Normally husbands surrender their salary, but the guy is keeping his cool. Just a cultural note, as some comments touched upon cultural matters.

[@tamjeanell]

More happiness in giving than receiving..

[@empirestate8791]

Wow - a 4 bedroom house for 800k in orange county? Where on earth did you find a house so big so cheap in California?

[@gizmo7365]

2019 price probably more north Orange County like Anaheim, Santa Ana, garden grove or even cypress

[@c.mccool1123]

Probably more to the story. They bought it through family.

[@tom4wlt]

This couple is smart. I always say, "Spend the money on your marriage, not your wedding." Save that money to invest by buying a house.

[@StephonBroughton]

Super cool! I’m a financial analyst and my fiancé is a chemical engineer (student, almost done!) but she’s working in R&D and quality testing. Super cool to see another perspective. We budget together tho…. Even tho we have different goals😂 great job Kim!

[@Sharpshooter649]

She’s getting ripped off. I know a financial analyst and he gets paid $115,000 per year.

[@PrashantKuchi]

Man they're house hacking too! Love it

[@finaistand9968]

Thanks~~~~

[@kaze987]

LOVE these guys! I figured they'd go all out on their wedding, but $6k is incredible! Make your own backdrop and be your own entertainment! Nice!

[@immersiveexperiences4799]

Great story, but how realistic is to think that a person who's monthly take home is $6000 living in OC can save and invest $5000 of the $6000?

[@msbelle6289]

Correct! Essentially, she and her husband make over $200k/year and that's why she's able to invest $5k/month.

[@GwenDeeful]

That was a wonderful financial story. I loved that Kim chose to help her Mom when she was laid off.

[@ananbatra7731]

Its amazing to see how she helps out her mother so much! Love it!

[@khalidalali186]

Orange County!! The only place in the world, where I couldn’t tell who the mother was, and I thought every daughter was a sister.

[@investedfemelle7564]

I’ll be making $100k soon 🤞🏽 I love young people doing big things

[@alp.9672]

100k in what location? 100k isn’t a lot in this day an age.

[@dannyflex8155]

@@alp.9672 truth be told it isn’t, however there’s people still making minimum wage at those locations . So 100k can still be comfortable.

[@amanderzw]

So moving how much her and her mom support each other. Love love love !

[@4444care]

Happy for her! Her mom must be very proud 💖

[@joshgates2671]

Imagine if a couple that makes like 200k are living like this, how rest of the people in California are living that make like 30 to 60k a year, especially in inflation now. Jeez, u would think they have financial freedom already, making that much, but have to wait till house paid off, among other things. It's tough out here in California, but it's the best place to live.