For those who built their wealth without inheritance, at what age did you hit your first $100k in liquid assets (cash, stocks, crypto, etc.)? It’s fascinating to see how different everyone’s paths are. For me, reaching $100k was a huge milestone, but once I got there, I realized it’s just a stepping stone to bigger goals. Let’s hear your stories!
I hit it last year when I turned 51.
Sage said:
I hit it last year when I turned 51.
Same here. Are we twins?
I hit $100k at 24. Joined the Air Force at 18 and got a $20k bonus for a critically needed job (aircraft hydraulics). Instead of spending it on a car like many others, I invested it in VOO. Deployments and living with low expenses helped me save the rest. Staying single and not having kids made it easier too.
@Riley
Smart move! My friends don’t understand why we drive older cars while they buy luxury ones. But we’re maxing out our 401ks and on track to retire early.
@Riley
What’s VOO?
I reached $100k at 32. But it’s shocking how little it feels when you realize how much more you need for things like a home. I work in IT for an international company.
Mai said:
I reached $100k at 32. But it’s shocking how little it feels when you realize how much more you need for things like a home. I work in IT for an international company.
True, but $100k can help with a down payment or be invested for growth. I moved to a low-cost city where it stretches further than in high-cost areas.
Mai said:
I reached $100k at 32. But it’s shocking how little it feels when you realize how much more you need for things like a home. I work in IT for an international company.
My dad bought a townhouse for $80k in 2002. Now, even with $100k, I can’t afford the same house, which is worth $200k.
I hit it around 26-27. I work in tech and didn’t earn six figures until later, but keeping my cost of living low made the difference. I still live in a shared house, drive an old car, and avoid luxury expenses. The less you spend, the faster you save.
I hit $100k at 25-26, mostly due to Bitcoin. I invested $25k from savings, and it grew to $250k before dropping back down. I learned to embrace volatility, and it’s been a valuable lesson.
I hit $100k at 43 in 2021. I went from $30k to over $300k that year, ending at $250k. Now I’m close to $400k. No retirement accounts since I’ve been living as a digital nomad.
Piper said:
I hit $100k at 43 in 2021. I went from $30k to over $300k that year, ending at $250k. Now I’m close to $400k. No retirement accounts since I’ve been living as a digital nomad.
Living the digital nomad dream?
@Tobin
Exactly. It’s been a great way to live and save.
I reached $100k at 27. I’m 35 now, and my portfolio is over $1.2 million.
Hit it late last year at 26 years old.
I hit $100k in about 4 years after getting a job with equity at a big tech company. After that, my savings grew quickly, adding $100k every 6-12 months.