Balkan Expat in Germany Earns 3,000 Euros Monthly, Saves Nothing

A Balkan man working in Germany has sparked a lively debate among expatriates after revealing his struggle to save money despite a net monthly salary of 3,000 euros. After four years in Germany, he admitted to having "almost nothing" saved, attributing his situation to expenses like rent, car payments, insurance, holidays, and bills.

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I've been working in Germany for four years and have about 3,000 euros net. I thought I would have saved a serious amount of money by now, but there's almost nothing in the account.

His post on a Facebook group for expatriates questioned whether the issue lay with his personal finances or the general difficulty of saving even in a strong European economy. The responses quickly divided into two camps: those who criticized his financial literacy and those who sympathized, pointing to the rising cost of living.

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The problem is you.

Some commenters were blunt, with one stating, "The problem is you," and another calling him "financially illiterate and irresponsible." However, many others defended him, arguing that 3,000 euros is not a substantial amount for living in Germany. "Three thousand euros is nothing for living in Germany. It's a completely normal sum for living here," one commenter wrote, adding that many people overestimate German salaries.

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Three thousand euros is nothing for living in Germany. It's a completely normal sum for living here.

Other contributors suggested lifestyle changes were key. Suggestions included leasing fewer cars, reducing alcohol consumption, and limiting social outings. One commenter advised living very frugally, potentially saving 1,000 to 1,500 euros monthly by cutting back. Conversely, some commenters promoted returning to the Balkans, with one jokingly suggesting raising livestock, while another claimed a couple could live comfortably in Croatia on much less.

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If you want to save, you have to be alone, have a well-paid job, decent rent, and not go anywhere. Live very modestly. Only then can you save something in three years.