First $100,000
$100,000
Often called the hardest milestone to reach — after this, growth increasingly carries itself.
Ways to get there
Increase your savings rate aggressively
Push your savings rate meaningfully higher by cutting fixed costs like housing or transportation.
Pros
- Biggest single lever most people have
- Effect compounds with every paycheck
Cons
- Requires bigger lifestyle changes
- Not always feasible short-term
- Aggressive
- 3 years
- Moderate
- 5 years
- Conservative
- 7 years
Build a second income stream
Grow a side business or freelance practice into a meaningful, recurring second income.
Pros
- Can eventually outpace a single salary
- Diversifies your income sources
Cons
- Significant time investment upfront
- Success isn't guaranteed
- Aggressive
- 2 years and 6 months
- Moderate
- 4 years and 6 months
- Conservative
- 6 years