The Nies can afford to spend more. The couple live with their 5-year-old daughter in an apartment they bought in Beijing in 2009, when real estate was more affordable. He teaches English at a local college; she's a hospital researcher. Together they earn about 20,000 yuan ($3,226) a month. After paying the monthly mortgage of 3,000 yuan, another 3,000 yuan for kindergarten fees, plus household necessities, they have plenty left over. They could eat out or plan a vacation. Not a chance, says the teacher. To stick with their plan of investing in a fund for his parents' medical or other needs, preparing for his and his wife's retirement, and putting away cash for their daughter's education, the couple are trying to save at least half of their income. "We're not confident about government policies for the long term. Most Chinese feel insecure, so we try our best to put aside as much as possible," he says. (Nie asked that only his surname be used: He isn't authorized by his college to speak to the media.)
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