Having nothing at 30 isn't unusual, especially when you have parents to care for

My parents divorced when I was young. My father left for another woman, and my mother, battling depression, fell ill frequently.

At 22, just as I graduated and started my career, I found myself alone, juggling work while caring for both parents in separate homes. My older sister was married and lived far away, while my other siblings had their own families and financial struggles. The burden fell entirely on me.

A woman is working on her laptop. Illustration photo by Pexels

For nearly a decade, every paycheck I earned was spent immediately. I had to stretch my income to cover daily expenses, my mother's medical bills, hospital stays, and home repairs. No matter how much my salary increased, it never seemed enough. I often borrowed from relatives just to keep up.

Fortunately, I had solid professional skills, so I never worried about unemployment. Life is unpredictable, but rather than feeling defeated, I learned to adapt and push through challenges.

Now, my office job pays nearly VND20 million (US$780) a month. I save whenever I can because the future is uncertain, and I do not want to become a burden on anyone.

After years of effort, I have built some financial security. I own a small home, have health insurance, and can occasionally afford personal purchases or further education. I may not be as well-off as others, but I take pride in how far I have come.

Although my situation has improved, I still save carefully. I maintain an emergency fund that covers six to 12 months of basic expenses like food, utilities, fuel, and phone bills. This financial cushion gives me peace of mind, knowing I can handle unexpected setbacks.

That said, I believe in saving wisely, not excessively. Financial security matters, but so does enjoying life. I cut out unnecessary expenses, but I do not live in deprivation. After all, what is the point of saving money if you cannot use it to live a fulfilling life?