ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

Google Employee Stayed With Parents for 12 Years After Leaving College and Saved a Whopping $400K

Living under her parents' roof shielded Chee from the barrage of bills, rent, and car payments.
PUBLISHED FEB 15, 2024
Cover Image Source: Woman calculating expenses (representative image) | Pexels | Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Cover Image Source: Woman calculating expenses (representative image) | Pexels | Photo by Karolina Grabowska

In 2012, Claudia Chee embarked on her post-college journey, securing a job at the tech giant Google. Hailing from the pricey San Francisco Bay Area, she grappled with the financial prospects of renting versus living at home, an idea her Asian parents firmly endorsed. What began as a temporary living arrangement at her parents' home extended into an unexpectedly prolonged period of 12 years. Remarkably, by the time she decided to move out in December 2023, 32-year-old Chee had amassed a savings and investment pool of $400,000, a testament to the unconventional yet strategic financial choices she made.

Philippine money | Pexels | Photo by Angie Reyes
Philippine money | Pexels | Photo by Angie Reyes

While diverging from the anticipated path, Chee reflects on her decade-plus stay at home as one of the most rewarding decisions. The unconventional living arrangement, fueled by a commitment to financial wellness, self-care, and career pivots, defied societal norms but empowered Chee in profound ways.

Living under her parents' roof shielded Chee from the barrage of bills, rent, and car payments. Google's employee perks, including shuttle services and occasional clothing provisions, further alleviated financial stress. The symbiotic arrangement extended into her early 20s when she shared meals with her parents and had food at Google cafeterias. This financial cushion allowed Chee to consciously establish robust financial habits without grappling with the typical financial strains of young adulthood, per CNBC Make It.

Guided by her financially savvy family members, especially her father's insights as a financial advisor, Chee delved into money management. She actively participated in a financial wellness group, constructed a meticulous budget, and fortified her financial safety net with three emergency funds. Applying investment principles from Vanguard founder John Bogle, she diversified her investment portfolio into stocks, bonds, and ETFs, complemented by maximizing retirement contributions at work.

People discuss about graphs and rates | Pexels | Photo by fauxels
People discuss about graphs and rates | Pexels | Photo by fauxels

Beyond financial prudence, Chee navigated the complex terrain of self-care. Recognizing the toll living at home could take on her mental health, she devoted a substantial portion of her budget to holistic well-being. This included gym memberships, therapy sessions, self-help resources, and career coaching. This intentional focus on personal growth and mental health became a cornerstone of her journey.

In 2017, Chee made a pivotal career choice, stepping away from the tech industry grind at Google to pursue her true passions. Transitioning from teaching yoga to establishing Claudia's Music Studio in 2021, she found fulfillment in her newfound career trajectory. However, it wasn't until the winter of 2022, during a hiatus in her teaching schedule, that an unexpected opportunity emerged. Frequent visits to Costco sparked the inception of an Instagram account, Costco Chee, where she engages with 183,000 followers by trying on the latest Costco styles. What started as a lighthearted hobby morphed into an unforeseen career path, showcasing Chee's ability to adapt and find joy in diverse pursuits.

Getty Images | Tim Boyle
Costco card | Getty Images | Tim Boyle

During the winter of 2023, Chee decided to venture into independent living. Settling into a one-bedroom sublet in Fremont, California, for $2,000 a month, she found a balance between affordability and comfort. Monthly utility costs of $255, coupled with her penchant for thrift shopping, underscore her commitment to frugality. Notably, her new residence is a mere 10-minute drive from her parents' home, emphasizing the close-knit family ties that persisted even during her prolonged stay at home.

Chee acknowledges the societal stigma surrounding extended stays at home, particularly in regions like the Bay Area. However, her unorthodox path, characterized by financial astuteness, career shifts, and prioritizing well-being, stands as a testament to the personal growth and success that can emerge from defying conventional timelines.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The guest wanted more than $3,000 for the item but the expert crushed his hopes.
7 hours ago
The game even had a twist which saw Drew Carey doing something special for the contestant.
8 hours ago
One had to pay attention to catch the error, and the show has a lot of fans like that.
9 hours ago
The contestant's nonchalant behavior after answering left everyone on the show stunned.
10 hours ago
The host was left red-faced and he even apologized to the contestant later on for his actions.
1 day ago
The guest was not expecting the low valuation of his item given by the expert.
1 day ago
The host perhaps did not expect to hear that answer and was left impressed.
1 day ago
The contestant was over the moon with her victory, which she made look quite easy.
2 days ago
The guest could do nothing more than accept his bad luck, and that is exactly what he did.
2 days ago
The host had his head down and could not even look at the board as the answer was revealed.
2 days ago
Almost all of the answers given were either shocking or hilarious, or both.
3 days ago
The pawn shop owner had doubts about the beverage's condition and was proven right.
3 days ago
The pawn shop owner has always been a big fan of WWII memorabilia and this was no different.
4 days ago
The contestant turned to the audience for help and it paid massive dividends.
4 days ago
None of the three contestants wagered anything in the final round, which was a first.
4 days ago
Cuban was excited to try them on and did a good job despite not having too much experience.
4 days ago
The contestant, Christina Derevjanik became the biggest winner ever in the show's history.
5 days ago
The guest reduced his asking price by $40,000 and it still wasn't enough to convince Harrison.
5 days ago
The contestant had her mother and sister with her, both of whom were also emotional.
5 days ago
Fans made their opinions clear under an Instagram reel posted by the show's official handle.
5 days ago