Darema Personal Finance China

Darema Personal Finance China Expat financial Planner based in Shanghai, China. Helping expat community with planning for retirement, education for children, property investing and others.

On my podcast, MoneyEdXpat, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chane Erasmus, the insurance broker many of you have met...
26/08/2026

On my podcast, MoneyEdXpat, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chane Erasmus, the insurance broker many of you have met and talked to!

We discussed health insurance for expats in China, Chane shared so much insightful info and tips, I truly believe this episode is a must-watch if you’re considering your options and want to know how it works. A big bonus for those planning to have kids - we covered extensively on the maternity cover!

Watch online : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uo6GGo-8sY&t=4s

More interesting topics to come, subscribe so you don’t miss them!

You had a rough week. So you order Waimai. Skip the subway, take Didi. Buy that thing on Taobao.“Just this once,” you te...
09/05/2026

You had a rough week. So you order Waimai. Skip the subway, take Didi. Buy that thing on Taobao.

“Just this once,” you tell yourself.

But “just this once” happens every week. Then twice a week. Then it’s just normal.

The problem:

Small treats feel harmless. But when they become daily habits, they quietly eat into your savings.

That ¥40 coffee run × 5 days = ¥200/week = ¥800/month = nearly ¥10,000/year.

The fix:
You don’t need to eliminate treats. Just make them intentional.

Ask yourself: “Am I choosing this, or just defaulting to it?”

If it’s a default, swap it once this week. Walk instead of Didi. Cook instead of order. Just once.

Bottom line:

Treats are fine. Habits are powerful. Choose which one is running your money.

📩 DM me for a complimentary PDF guide ‘What’s next for your savings next?’



Educational content. Do your own research.

Savings as an expat in China has another layer of a challenge because the money is digital and many expats just keep one...
30/04/2026

Savings as an expat in China has another layer of a challenge because the money is digital and many expats just keep one account for everything! But then, at the end of the month - there are no savings 🙈 Here are 3 tips how to start saving consistently.

Step 1: Open a second account 💰
It can be a different bank. The key: not your daily spending account linked to Alipay or WeChat so you're not tempted to spend it.

Step 2: Automate the transfer 🔁
On payday, move your savings amount automatically. Even ¥500 or ¥1,000 works. Most bank apps will have a feature to schedule transfers, check 预约转账 (exact wording may differ bank to bank).

Step 3: Forget it exists 🙈
Well kind of - don't check the balance every day, but keep an eye and check every few months. Don't link it to WeChat Pay or Alipay.

If you don't see it, you won't spend it.

Bottom line:
You can't spend what you can't touch. Set it and forget it.

One more thing: in the long run, don't keep all your savings sitting in a bank account. Once you've built a cushion, start exploring options that help your money make money — like ETFs or diversified funds. That's how wealth grows 💸
Opening a platform for expats 🤔

📩 DM me 'SAVINGS' if you want a simple PDF guide to 'Where to put your savings next' (without getting lost in options)


Educational content. Do your own research.

The expat trap: Earning more, saving 0You get a raise. A bonus. A better job.Lifestyle creeps up. Nicer apartment. More ...
28/04/2026

The expat trap: Earning more, saving 0

You get a raise. A bonus. A better job.

Lifestyle creeps up. Nicer apartment. More Didi. Fancier dinners.

Soon you’re earning double – but saving the same. Or less.

This is the expat trap 🪤

Why it’s dangerous 🤔

Higher income creates false security.

You think: “I’ll save later.”

But later never comes. And pension? Pushed to “someday.”

The fix 🛠️

When you earn more, save the increase first.

Got a ¥5k raise? Automatically save ¥2.5k of it. Live on the rest.

Future you will thank you.

One hard truth:

Many expats leave China with great memories and no savings.

Don’t let that be you 💪🏼

📩 DM me ‘pension’ if you want to talk long-term planning.



Educational content. Do your own research.

How to save ¥10,000 in 3 monthsHere’s where you start: ¥10,000 in 90 days = ¥3,333/month = ¥111/day.Suddenly feels doabl...
23/04/2026

How to save ¥10,000 in 3 monthsHere’s where you start:
¥10,000 in 90 days = ¥3,333/month = ¥111/day.

Suddenly feels doable, right?
Here’s how 👇

Step 1: Automate it 🔃

On payday, move savings first – not last. If you never see it, you won’t miss it.

Step 2: Cut one thing (not everything) ✂️

Pick ONE daily habit:

• One less coffee out? Save ¥600/month
• Two fewer Waimai/week? Save ¥600/month
• Subway instead of Didi twice/week? Save ¥400/month

Small leaks add up.

Step 3: Track for one week 📝

Open WeChat Pay or Alipay. Check last 7 days. Find one surprise. Adjust one thing.
—
Bottom line: ¥111/day. One small change away.

📩 DM me ‘save’ for an expense tracker recommendation



Educational content. Do your research and speak to professionals when making decisions.

Most people say “3 to 6 months of expenses.”But that’s not the same for everyone.Your emergency fund depends on your lif...
23/04/2026

Most people say “3 to 6 months of expenses.”

But that’s not the same for everyone.

Your emergency fund depends on your life situation. Here’s a more honest breakdown 👇

How much to save:

🧑‍💻 **Junior to mid-level, single professional**

→ 3–6 months of expenses

→ Add extra if you have a pet (vet bills can get high fast)

👔 **Mid to senior, or niche role**

→ At least 6 months

→ Finding a new job could take longer – in China or elsewhere

👨‍👩‍👧 **Married with young children**

→ 1 year of expenses

→ Your family depends on your stability

**Where to keep it:**

🏠 **Primary: In China, in RMB**

This is where you live. Emergencies happen here – urgent care, broken apartment lock, last-minute flight.

🌏 **Some (or up to half) in an international account**

Only if it has a Visa/Mastercard attached. Useful during travel or if you live in a big city where international cards work.

🏙️ **For smaller cities:** Stick with UnionPay. International cards aren’t always accepted.

The real test:

If something happens at 2am – can you pay right now?

Or do you need to make a transfer, wait for the bank, or move money between accounts?

Your emergency fund needs to be **accessible**. Not invested. Not locked away.

**Bottom line:**

📩 **DM me for consultation


*Educational content. Do your research and speak to professionals when making decisions.*

You open Taobao for one thing. 40 min later: 7 items in cart, no memory how. Sound familiar?Impulse buying is easy in Ch...
14/04/2026

You open Taobao for one thing. 40 min later: 7 items in cart, no memory how. Sound familiar?
Impulse buying is easy in China’s cashless world. One click. Face scan. Done.
But those small purchases add up fast.

Next time you click ‘buy’, pause. Ask 3 questions:

1. Do I actually need this? Wait 10 min. Walk away. If you forget it, you never needed it.
2. Will I use this in 30 days? That kitchen gadget looks nice, but will it sit in a drawer? If no clear use this month, skip.
3. Leave it in cart for 2 weeks. Then ask: Do I still need it? Most times, the urge disappears.

If you still want it after 14 days & it fits your budget, consider buying. You lose nothing by waiting. You gain clarity.

Bottom line: Impulse buying is normal. Three short questions can save you hundreds monthly.

📩 DM me for financial consultation.



Educational content. Do your research and speak to professionals when making decisions.

How to save in cashless China? Living in China as an expat is amazing — but managing money in a cashless world? That can...
11/04/2026

How to save in cashless China? Living in China as an expat is amazing — but managing money in a cashless world? That can get tricky. 🧾

With tax rates changing as your income goes up and down, and shopping just a tap away (Taobao, Pinduoduo — so cheap, so tempting 😅), it’s easy to lose track.

The good news? A simple budget is all you need.

Try the 50/30/20 rule:
🥡 50% for needs – rent, utilities, groceries, bills
 30% for wants – shopping, dining out, travel
💪 20% for savings – and remember: pay yourself first!

Take control of your money today — and start building the future you want. 🚀

You may have heard it before: “Expats can’t invest from China.”That’s a myth. ❌You can open international investment acc...
11/04/2026

You may have heard it before: “Expats can’t invest from China.”

That’s a myth. ❌

You can open international investment accounts while living here.

Two options:
🔹 DIY – you manage your portfolio
🔹 Adviser-managed – you have an adviser’s guidance

🛂 Documents needed
Exact documents may vary, but generally you may need :
✅ Passport
✅ Valid visa + residence permit
✅ Proof of address
✅ Proof of income

How to fund:
1. Go to your Chinese bank
2. Make intl transfer (or use Wise/SkyRemit)

What you can invest in:
· ETFs
· International stocks
· Mutual funds

Always research what you buy and make sure it aligns with your risk appetite and goals.
📩 DM me for a consultation

* Educational content. Do your research and speak to professionals when making decisions.

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Shanghai

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