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Son stunned to find mother living on 16,000 yuan a month actually earns 62,000 yuan

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A son discovered his 77-year-old mother's monthly income was significantly higher than he believed, reaching approximately 310,000 yen (about $6,200 USD).
  • The mother's income stemmed from apartment rental earnings and stock dividends, far exceeding her 80,000 yen pension.
  • The discovery prompted the son and mother to collaborate on managing her assets, including property maintenance and tax preparation.

A son was stunned to learn his elderly mother, whom he believed was struggling on a 80,000 yen monthly pension, was actually earning a substantial 310,000 yen. The revelation came as he helped her with tax documents.

You can earn this much every month?!

— KazuyaThe son's reaction upon discovering his mother's substantial rental income.

His 77-year-old mother, who lives alone, receives a pension but also earns significant income from three rented apartments in a building her late husband constructed decades ago. The son had assumed the aging property generated little profit due to vacancies and maintenance costs. However, he found her net rental income averaged 180,000 yen monthly.

Further examination of her financial papers uncovered another income stream: stock and investment trust dividends inherited from her husband. These investments yield an average of 50,000 yen per month. Combined, her pension, rental income, and dividends far surpassed the son's expectations.

It was even more when all of them were rented out.

— YoshieThe mother's calm response about her rental income.

Despite the seemingly large income, the mother explained that much of it is needed for essential expenses. Maintaining the 30-year-old apartment building, which includes significant repairs like roof and wall restoration costing 1.8 million yen last year, along with property taxes and insurance, consumes a large portion of the rental earnings. She diligently saves a portion of the rent for future needs.

Mom, you earn this much every month?!

— KazuyaThe son's expression of shock after calculating his mother's total monthly earnings.

The situation highlighted the mother's independent management of her finances, including property upkeep, tax filings, and financial document handling. The son and mother have decided to work together on managing her assets, organizing property records, and planning for future tax assistance from a professional.

I can't spend all of this 310,000 yen every month.

— YoshieThe mother explaining that her income is not freely disposable due to expenses.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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