Living On $100K A Year in Orange County, California | Millennial Money

At the end of 2020, Kim Liao paid off her mother's mortgage. The 27-year-old saved up $28,000 in the first nine months of the Covid-19 pandemic, after her mother lost her job and was worried about making her housing payment. Kim began credit card churning and sold items around her house to bring in additional income. She considers it the least she could do to provide her mother financial security. "It was the best money I've ever spent because it made my mom so happy," Liao tells CNBC Make It.

This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

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Living On $100K A Year in Orange County, California | Millennial Money

[themillennialcpa]

Hi guys it's Kim here! (Graham Stephan reference) THANK YOU so much for all your kind words. I'm so grateful to have been a part of this series and share with you guys my story. I love the personal finance community!

[Y_Canada]

A woman who makes $100k and walks dogs to pay off her mom's mortgage... She's so inspiring!

[Dreabz]

The is woman is so impressive. She’s obviously really smart and extremely caring. As an immigrant myself, I appreciate seeing someone who has made helping out her parents a financial goal. Awesome and inspiring episode ❤️

[Tabbylover]

Seeing how she cares so deeply for her mom is really beautiful. They obviously love each other very much, and she didn't take anything her mom did for her for granted, kudos to them both.

[drewconway]

She’s doing great! I was so glad to hear they kept their wedding expenses down. Big weddings are a terrible waste of money.

[akirebara]

Only $6000 on their wedding? I love that! Also, the fact that they got married in their house. I love that even more. They'll reach FIRE soon enough.

[jones]

this is a great example of how important generational wealth is. it doesn't mean your family is wealthy; it just means you have the means to financially support, boost, or provide your social capital for your loved ones when they need it. it's nothing to be ashamed of. she and her husband are clearly hard workers who valued the help they got and will pay it forward to the generations that follow them.

[lynwill]

She's doing very well. Have a $3600 mortgage divided by two individuals is 1800 a month. You can't get a one bedroom apartment for 1800 a month in major cities. She is doing great.

[MinisterMishkin]

She's killing it. I wish more families took care of each other like she has.

[ayeshadhillon]

Truly amazing young woman! The story of her saving up for her mom, picking up extra jobs etc. is absolutely beautiful to hear- you can literally just FEEL the love of their relationship. Good for you and wishing all the success for you and your mom (and families!) in the future. <3

[jeffsibert]

This is one of the best ones Ive watched so far. Not only did she make great strives and used great tactics but its one of the more relatable videos lately, salary wise

[budgetwithjenny]

She’s doing amazing and I love how she is helping her mom out. She is someone to look up to!

[sweitang]

I’m an immigrant to Australia....this story is truly inspirational...can relate to helping parents out as I come from an Asian background myself. What is really inspiring is how Kim is budgeting so well to live frugally whilst still having fun. Good to see mum is doing well too. These stories inspire me and motivate me to work harder to provide for my family

[desultorilypanacea]

She's so nice to her family most people don't help out. They say that is their problem.

[RyanLogan]

these videos keep getting better and better! love how financially responsible she is at such an early age. you love to see it!!!

[monicarenee]

Her story sounds soooo similar to mine, from the cheap wedding with DIY, side gigs, buying mom’s house, and rental property. I wish her the best, she’s sure to reach her goals!

[The_Bronze_Spoon_Investor]

Hi Kim, I love your sense of independence! That is really cool that you learned while working in the finance industry to save more and invest your money. Oh my gosh I love the house wedding idea! At first I was like dang, living with parents for two years then you guys bought this massive and expensive house. Good for you guys on finding a way to rent out a room and Kim planning that budget for your mom is absolutely incredible. Awesome experience, thanks for sharing your story!

[JanellKnowsMoney]

This is my all time favorite series. Please keep them coming! It’s so cool to see where other folks are at & how they got there.

[paengguin]

She is SMART and hard-working. Also a loving daughter to her Mom. She has goals and she is motivated to achieve all of them! She is a good role model for kids nowadays. Many kids feel entitled and are lazy.

[sharlenelockett]

I love that they made their wedding so personal. The big weddings with stuff to impress others is unfortunate. Helping your family is such a great feeling especially when they are trying to accomplish something on their own and you can help them reach the goal. Great segment.