A young Cuban living in the United States has sparked conversation on social media through a TikTok video in which he breaks down his spending on rent and groceries, and emphasizes that despite high expenses, saving money is indeed possible in America. "I am Cuban, and here in the U.S., I pay $1,500 for rent—three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, refrigerator, and even a full kitchen," begins the content creator known as @es_el_mexicano_wey_07.
He details that his grocery bill ranges between $80 and $100. "I go to Walmart and buy chicken, meat, steak, rice, soda, eggs—pretty much everything, folks," he explains.
The young man highlights the crucial role of financial management: "Well, the thing is, it doesn't depend on how much you earn, but on how well you know how to save."
Countering the belief that living in the U.S. makes saving difficult, he asserts: "A lot of people say you can't save money in this great country, but I'm telling you, you can."
He adds, "Maybe you want to buy the most expensive piece of jewelry in the world... but don't save that money you’ll need later. Once you're earning more, you can buy the biggest car, the biggest house, the most expensive chain you've ever seen."
Reflecting on the differences between life in Cuba and economic opportunities in the U.S., he comments: "I know as Cubans, we've never seen anything, but, folks, let me tell you something? We've also never seen so much money."
The video concludes with a call to save and work hard: "Folks, save and spend less, because you can. We are in the best country in the world. Love you all. Welcome to the United States. Love you, love you."
This same creator has previously posted other thoughtful videos about the immigrant experience in America. In November 2024, he stated, "Nothing is easy, nothing is given for free," emphasizing the sacrifice required to adapt to a new reality. In February of this year, he advised fellow immigrants to respect the law and work diligently, recalling his earlier experiences in Mexico before crossing into the U.S.
The Cuban's testimony aligns with a growing trend on TikTok, where other Latino creators, especially women, share cost-cutting strategies. Cuban @yanetatlanta explains that saving begins with having a clear budget. Others, like @itscarolindaa or @l.dianimorato, choose to cut back on beauty salon visits or clothing expenses, focusing instead on responsible consumption.
Some also recommend budget-friendly stores like Winco Foods, Aldi, or Dollar Tree to stretch their dollar without sacrificing essentials. Cuban @kurly_the_princess, for instance, has highlighted ways to save on cleaning products and household items by taking advantage of lower prices.
While many users appreciate these messages of financial planning and resilience, others caution that the cost of living in the U.S. varies significantly by state, making saving challenging with low wages. Still, testimonies like this young Cuban's continue to spark debate and provide a positive outlook on the opportunities available for those who manage their finances with realism and clear goals.
Financial Tips for Immigrants in the U.S.
How much does the young Cuban spend on rent in the U.S.?
He pays $1,500 per month for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a living room, refrigerator, and kitchen.
What are the young Cuban's main grocery shopping tips?
He suggests shopping at Walmart and buying essentials like chicken, meat, rice, and eggs, with a budget between $80 and $100.
What is the key to saving money according to the young Cuban?
He emphasizes the importance of financial organization, stating that saving money depends more on how well you manage your expenses than on how much you earn.
What stores do other Latino creators recommend for saving money?
They recommend budget-friendly stores such as Winco Foods, Aldi, and Dollar Tree to maximize savings on essential products.