Author | Lightnews

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Sep 1

Investing in yourself pays the best dividends! 📈 Skills, networking, and targeted learning can double your income faster than any index fund. Don't just focus on stocks; prioritize your personal growth. 💡 What's your best self-investment lately? #PersonalFinance #InvestInYourself #CareerGrowth

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MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 25

Why protect your 'Fun' budget like retirement? Because joy fuels sustainable wealth! Allocate 15% for guilt-free enjoyment after essentials and savings. Stop resenting financial discipline—embrace it! Build wealth AND a life worth living. #PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding #MindfulSpending

The Money Paradox: Why I Protect My 'Fun' Budget Like My Retirement

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 19

Investing in yourself can yield greater returns than traditional stocks. My neighbor Yuki turned ¥1M into a ¥2.5M salary increase by focusing on skills instead of portfolios. Choose growth over numbers! What would you do with ¥1M? #PersonalFinance #InvestInYourself #WealthBuilding

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MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 18

By 2030, workers in Japan will diverge: those investing in traditional skills like Hiroshi vs. those like Mei, mastering AI and reaping 30%+ salary premiums. The skills you build today will shape your future. Which side of the AI divide will you be on? #AI #FutureOfWork #PersonalFinance

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 15

Salary negotiations in Japan require cultural intelligence. Aggressive tactics can backfire. Research market rates, frame requests on value, and be patient with consensus. Remember, it’s not just about your financial needs—it's about fit!

#SalaryNegotiation #CulturalIntelligence #JobMarket #Japan

Cultural Intelligence in Salary Negotiations

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 12

Just discovered Japan's tax system! 🤔 Income tax is only 1.6%, but social insurance takes a hefty 15.8%. This covers healthcare, pensions, and more. High salaries don't always mean high take-home pay! Understanding this can change your financial game. #Japan #PersonalFinance #TaxSystem

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 8

In Japan, my perspective on high taxes shifted during a late-night hospital visit. A 3,000 yen bill for quality care revealed the true value of universal healthcare funded by taxes. It’s not about high taxes; it’s about ensuring access for everyone. #Japan #Healthcare #PersonalFinance #Taxes

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thinking about moving to Japan? 📦🇯🇵 The tax system can be complex! Doubling your salary doesn’t mean doubling your take-home pay due to progressive taxes and social insurance caps. It’s all about understanding the system for social stability, not just wealth. #Japan #Taxes #ExpatLife

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MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 4

Understanding investment strategies is key! The GPIF teaches us that allocation is about context. They need stability for payouts, while I seek growth for the long term. Don’t blindly copy strategies; tailor them to your situation. 📈 #Investing #PersonalFinance #GPIF

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 4

Your childhood lifestyle isn't your financial benchmark. I learned that comparing my starting point to my parents' established life was misleading. Instead, I focus on what I want for my family now. It's about being intentional with our journey, not chasing the past. #PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 1

I left ¥3M on the table for 3 years because I didn't understand Japanese HR. In Japan, promotion (昇進) and salary increase (昇給) are separate. Negotiate both simultaneously! This insight changed everything for me. Don’t make the same mistake! #JapaneseHR #SalaryNegotiation #ExpatLife

The Japanese HR System That Cost Me ¥3M (Until I Figured It Out)

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 1

Despite having PR in Japan, I keep 6 months' expenses for emergencies. A colleague lost his job and struggled without savings. Japan's unemployment insurance is good but has gaps. Don't rely solely on US financial advice; adapt to local systems. #PersonalFinance #EmergencyFunds #Japan

Why I Keep 6 Months Expenses Despite Having Permanent Residency

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MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Aug 1

High earners moving to Japan often face financial stress due to lack of systems. Earning well doesn’t equal financial security! Establish a strong foundation: emergency fund, banking knowledge, and a mindset shift. Avoid costly mistakes and build wealth wisely! #PersonalFinance #HENRY #Japan

Landing in Japan - The HENRY's Financial Foundation

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 30

We often optimize for wealth, but forget why we started. True richness comes from prioritizing experiences and relationships over financial metrics. Instead of asking, "How can I make more?" consider, "How much is enough for what truly matters?" #PersonalFinance #WealthMindset #LifeSatisfaction

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 29

Did you know a seemingly small investment fee can cost you millions? A 1.5% fee vs. 0.05% could mean ¥8M less in 25 years! Fees compound against you, stealing years of financial freedom. Check your investments! #PersonalFinance #InvestSmart #WealthBuilding

0.05% vs 0.5%: The ¥2M Difference Nobody Talks About

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 25

The best financial influencers educate, not advise. They teach you how to think about money, not what to do with it. Always question who is giving advice and their qualifications. Educational content empowers you! #FinancialEducation #Fintech #InvestingWisely

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 23

My investment strategy is simple: buy a fund, invest monthly, never sell, and rebalance once a year. Complexity often hides poor performance. Stick to the fundamentals and avoid the noise. What's your approach? #PersonalFinance #Investing #Simplicity

My Entire Investment Strategy Fits on This Napkin (And Beats the Pros)

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 18

I transformed my savings by making it ridiculously small: just ¥500 a day! 🌟 After 3 years, I built a ¥500,000 emergency fund. It’s about removing the decision-making stress. Even small amounts count! What’s your daily savings? 💰 #PersonalFinance #Savings #EmergencyFund

The ¥500/Day Challenge That Built My ¥500,000 Emergency Fund

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 16

Your salary doesn't define your worth. Impact, growth, and time matter more than numbers. Many high earners feel unfulfilled, while those with less find joy in meaningful work. Remember, your value comes from how you treat others and the problems you choose to solve. #PersonalFinance #Value #Mindset

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 16

76% of Japanese workers ignore tax-advantaged accounts like DC and NISA. Don't procrastinate! Start investing today to grow your money tax-free. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about participating. What financial decision are you putting off? #PersonalFinance #Investing #NISA #DC

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 15

In Japan, many graduates don't realize how much ¥50M means for retirement. With the 4% rule, you need 25x your annual expenses to achieve financial independence. Start by maximizing income, then invest wisely. Save 50% early to retire by your late 40s! #PersonalFinance #Japan #FinancialIndependence

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 15

Starting with a ¥4M salary in Japan? You can achieve financial independence by saving 50% and living below your means. It’s possible to hit FI by your late 40s! #PersonalFinance #Japan #FinancialIndependence #4PercentRule

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 14

Starting with a simple shopping list can lay the groundwork for building complex apps. It’s about mastering the fundamentals like data flow and user experience. Remember, great PMs don’t just ship features; they ship understanding! #ProductManagement #AppDevelopment #StartSimple

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 14

Investing doesn't require big numbers to start. Many successful investors began with small monthly contributions like 20,000 yen. The key is consistency, not perfection. Don't wait—start now, and your capacity will grow! What small step have you been delaying? #Investing #PersonalFinance #SmallSteps

MoneyDaruma @moneydaruma.bsky.social · Jul 11

Just dropped a new newsletter sharing my personal journey with iDeCo. 💡 Don't let the unique financial landscape in Japan leave you in the dark! Learn how to maximize your tax savings and secure your family's future. Join 1,000+ international pros building wealth! #iDeCo #PersonalFinance #Japan