How important is saving money for the future?

I'd say saving money is crucial, especially in expensive cities like Shanghai where living costs keep rising. The main reason is financial security - you never know when unexpected expenses might come up, like medical bills or sudden job changes. For example, when I first moved here for work, I didn't save much initially, and then my laptop broke down. I had to borrow money from friends which was quite stressful. That being said, I don't believe in saving every single penny - it's important to find a balance between enjoying life now and preparing for the future. Like with my running hobby, I budget for both gear and savings.