Saki Tamogami, a 37-year-old Japanese woman, has become a beacon of frugality, inspiring many with her extraordinary journey to financial independence. Through meticulous budgeting and a minimalist lifestyle, she has not only acquired multiple properties but has also fulfilled her lifelong dream of opening a cat café.
Tamogami’s journey began in 2019 when she appeared on a popular Japanese television show. Her story, marked by extreme frugality, quickly captivated viewers. At the tender age of 19, she set a seemingly ambitious goal: to own three houses by 34. Through unwavering determination and strict financial discipline, she turned this dream into a reality.
Tamogami’s lifestyle was nothing short of Spartan. Her daily food budget was a mere $12, and she relied heavily on home-cooked meals like toast, udon noodles, and discounted radishes. She avoided buying new clothes, preferring hand-me-downs. To supplement her income, she even sold her long hair for $18.
Her frugality paid off. By the age of 27, she had saved enough to purchase her first house in Saitama for $61,000. Using the rental income from this property, she was able to buy a second house for $110,000 just two years later. By 2019, she had achieved her goal of owning three houses.
Tamogami’s motivation for her frugal lifestyle stemmed from her deep love for animals. Her childhood experience with a stray cat had ignited a desire to rescue more. This passion culminated in the opening of her cat café, Café Yuunagi, on the ground floor of her third house. The café not only provides a cozy space for cat lovers but also serves as a sanctuary for stray cats.
Despite her financial success, Tamogami continues to live a modest life. She plans to use her rental income and salary to further expand her property portfolio, proving that financial freedom can be achieved through even the most frugal means.
