Google L5 engineer's journey from $100 beds to $400 pots: a lesson in spending
After 3 years on cheap mattresses, a Google engineer learns to spend wisely.
Yair Halberstadt, a Google L5 engineer based in Israel, opens up about his personal journey from compulsive stinginess to a more balanced approach to spending. He and his wife once bought $100 beds and mattresses, sleeping on them for three years despite his pregnant wife's discomfort, because they prioritized saving for a mortgage in 2020 — a decision that paid off when local house prices surged 70%. After joining Google and reaching L5, his monthly stock income hit $7K (per levels.fyi), but his spending habits lagged.
Halberstadt now consciously allows himself small, occasional indulgences like a $400 pot set, takeout, or taxis, as long as they don't become regular expenses (e.g., takeout for a family of five would cost $1K/month). He warns against scope insensitivity — spending $20K on a car can justify $50 daily conveniences, but that mindset can balloon into a $250K backyard pool. Crucially, he preserves activities he enjoys, like assembling IKEA furniture, to avoid losing the invigoration that comes from effort.
- Yair Halberstadt bought $100 beds and mattresses, sleeping on them for 3 years to save for a mortgage — a bet that paid off with 70% house price appreciation.
- As a Google L5 engineer in Israel, his monthly stock income is ~$7K, but selling incurs 50% tax on grants and 25% on capital gains.
- He now spends on occasional conveniences (e.g., $400 pots, takeout, taxis) but avoids regular splurges to maintain financial balance.
Why It Matters
A rare, numbers-driven look at how high-income engineers can unlearn stingy habits without risking financial ruin.