In 2012, I graduated from college and got a job at Google. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive places in the U.S., and my Asian parents always said that renting was a waste of money.
So after I finished school, it just made sense for me to live at home while I got on my feet. Even though I planned to get my own place at some point, I ended up living at home for 12 years. When I moved out this past December, I had $400,000 saved and invested from both my 9-to-5 income and earnings as an entrepreneur.
While it wasn't the path I anticipated, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Here's why I don't regret it:
1. I wasn't bombarded with bills
Living at home, I didn't have to worry about bills, car payments, or rent. At Google, they even provided a shuttle service to work and sometimes clothes.
In my early 20s, my meals were split 50/50 between my parent's cooking and the Google cafeterias. As I got older, I did the majority of my cooking and grocery shopping, often buying in bulk from Costco.
Without these expenses, I found that I was more thoughtful about the financial habits I wanted to establish, without struggling to make ends meet or going into debt.
2. I became a pro at managing my money
I'm lucky to have family members who are knowledgeable about money, including my dad, who is a financial advisor and insurance agent. Their biggest piece of advice was "don't let your money just sit in a bank."
So I joined a financial wellness group, created a consistent budget, and set up three emergency funds (with three to six months of expenses) in high-yield savings accounts and credit unions.
Using Vanguard founder John Bogle's 10 investing principles, I learned to invest in stocks, bonds, and ETFs. I also maxed out my retirement contributions at work.
3. I learned to prioritize self-care
There were times when living at home took a toll on my mental health, but I made a real effort to prioritize self-care and personal growth.
I allocated about a third of my annual budget to things like a gym membership, weekly therapy sessions, self-help books, and a career coach to bolster my overall well-being.
4. I was able to pivot to a new career
Like so many people in the tech industry, I was burned out in my job. So in 2017, I left Google and the 9-to-5 grind, to focus on what I was really passionate about.
In 2018, I started teaching yoga, and five years later, I pivoted to another passion of mine: music. I opened Claudia's Music Studio in 2021 and have been happily teaching full-time ever since.
In the winter of 2022, most of my students were on break. With time to spare, I found myself visiting my local Costco store a few times a week. I got to know the staff, and one of the managers jokingly said: "You're always here, you should do something on social media."
Inspired, I started an Instagram account called Costco Claudia. I try on the latest Costco styles and have 183,000 followers and counting. It's grown from a fun hobby into something of a new career path.
5. I got to choose a home that is right for me
In December 2023, I moved into my first place in Fremont, California. I currently sublet a one-bedroom for $2,000 a month.
For utilities, I spend about $255 a month: $92 for water and trash collection, $68 for internet, and $95 for electricity. I'm still frugal and love thrifting and bargains. I even bought most of my home furnishings from Costco.
The apartment is a 10-minute drive from my parent's house. I didn't expect to live at home for as long as I did, and I know I'm not alone, especially in the Bay Area where one in four millennials and three in four Gen Zers do the same.
There can be so much stigma around living at home, but I know it was the best choice for me. I'm proud of how far I've come, and I'm excited for my next chapter.
Claudia Chee is a Bay Area native and former Google employee turned entrepreneur. Today, she is a piano teacher, the owner of Claudia's Music Studio, and a social media influencer who enjoys sharing her love of Costco on Instagram.
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