Buying gold finally paid off for me after 9 years

Nine years ago, I was just an office worker with no significant assets and a salary just enough to get by. I rented a small room and living expenses took a huge chunk out of my income every month. But I had a habit that many people at the time found strange: I bought gold.

It was not a major investment, just a simple habit of setting aside a small portion of my salary each month to purchase the metal. Every one or two months, I would go to the shop and buy a tiny amount, sometimes just one-tenth of a tael (1 tael = 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces) or even less.

Whenever I received a bonus or extra income, I would put it aside, save up, and spend it on gold later. My friends used to laugh at me, saying, "Your salary is barely enough, and yet you are buying gold?"

But my reasoning was simple. Money is easy to spend, while gold holds its value over time. Of course, living in a rented place came with risks like theft, but with a little caution and common sense, I knew how to keep my treasure safe.

At the time, gold prices fluctuated unpredictably, sometimes rising, sometimes falling, but I never sold or wavered. I treated my gold as savings and quietly accumulated it over time.

While my friends traveled, upgraded their phones, and indulged in shopping, I continued living in my cramped room, riding the same old motorbike, and sticking to my habit.

I never imagined I would become rich just nine years later. Gold prices have now surpassed VND100 million (US$3,912.37) per tael. The small amount of gold I bought over the years has turned into a fortune. If I sold it, I could now purchase a decent apartment without taking a loan. Those who once mocked me say I was lucky, but I do not think so. This was not luck. It was a calculated move.

I am not sharing my story to brag or to encourage everyone to scramble to buy gold. Each person has their own way of managing finances, but what truly matters is discipline and long-term vision. Do not waste your money on short-lived pleasures. Place it somewhere safe that can appreciate over time.

Gold has been on a record run. Not many people get to ever see their wealth grow so fast as those who stocked up on gold.

Today's society promotes consumption, and many young people are willing to go into debt for self-indulgence before thinking about saving. But without good planning, these pleasures only provide temporary respite from an uncertain future. You do not have to buy gold, but find something to invest in to secure your future.

I still rent and live frugally like before. But the biggest difference is I no longer worry about my future like I did nine years ago.

*The opinions were translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.