Your first $100,000 is the hardest—but also the most important. Charlie Munger famously said the first $100k is a "bitch," but it's also the foundation of all future wealth. Here's exactly how to get there by 30, even if you're starting from zero.
The first $100k is exponentially harder than the second $100k. But once you hit it, compound interest becomes your wealth-building engine. At 8% returns, your $100k generates $8,000/year without you lifting a finger.
Let's break down the real numbers. Assuming you start at age 22 (after college), you have 8 years to hit $100k by 30.
Path 1: The Aggressive Saver
Save $1,042/month for 8 years at 8% return = $100,000
Required income: ~$50k+ (50% savings rate)
Path 2: The Moderate Approach
Save $750/month for 8 years at 8% return = $88,000
Required income: ~$45k (40% savings rate)
Path 3: The Income Accelerator
Start at $500/month, increase 15% annually = $100,000+
Required: Career growth + consistent saving
Goal: Save $10,000 + Build habits
End of year balance: ~$10,000
Goal: Hit $30,000 total
End of year balance: ~$32,000
Goal: Hit $60,000 total
End of year balance: ~$62,000
Goal: Cross $100,000
End of year balance: ~$100,000+
Don't stay loyal to one company. Job hopping every 2-3 years in your 20s can increase your salary 50-100%.
Example:
Age 22: $45k → Age 24: $58k → Age 26: $72k → Age 28: $85k
Total income increase: $40k/year = Massive wealth impact
Housing is your biggest expense. Get creative: roommates, house hacking, living with parents temporarily.
The Math:
$1,500/month apartment vs $600/month with roommates
Savings: $900/month = $10,800/year invested
Cars are wealth killers. If possible, go car-free or buy a $5k reliable used car.
Typical car costs:
Payment: $400 + Insurance: $150 + Gas: $150 = $700/month
Alternative: $5k used car = Save $600/month
Set up automatic transfers on payday. You can't spend what you don't see.
The Setup:
Every dollar from side hustles goes straight to investments. This can cut years off your timeline.
Ideas that work:
Starting point (Age 22): $42k salary, $0 saved, $25k student loans
Strategy:
Result (Age 30): $118,000 net worth, $0 debt, $95k salary
Key insight: "The first $50k felt impossible. The next $50k happened almost automatically thanks to compound interest."
Getting a raise and immediately upgrading your apartment, car, and lifestyle. This is the #1 wealth killer.
"I'll start investing when I make more money." Every year you wait costs you thousands in compound growth.
A $35k new car with payments can delay your $100k goal by 2-3 years. Buy used with cash.
Accepting the first offer without negotiating. A $5k higher starting salary compounds to $100k+ over your career.
Here's why the first $100k is so crucial:
| Milestone | Time to Reach | Annual Growth (8%) |
|---|---|---|
| $0 → $100k | 8 years | $8,000/year |
| $100k → $200k | 5 years | $16,000/year |
| $200k → $300k | 3 years | $24,000/year |
| $300k → $1M | 10 years | $80,000/year |
Notice how each $100k comes faster? That's compound interest working for you. The first $100k is the hardest, but it's also the foundation for everything that follows.
Know your starting point. Use our calculator below.
Automate 401k contributions and Roth IRA deposits.
Housing, transportation, food. Where can you optimize?
Know what you should be making. Prepare to negotiate.
Use our compound interest calculator to see your timeline.
Use our calculators to model your exact path to $100,000. See how different savings rates, returns, and timelines affect your goal.
Saving $100,000 by 30 is absolutely achievable—but it requires intentionality. You need to optimize your big expenses, grow your income aggressively, and invest consistently. The good news? Once you hit $100k, the next $100k comes much faster.
Start today. Even if you're 25 or 28, you can still hit this goal with aggressive action. And if you're past 30? Don't worry—the principles still apply. Your first $100k is always the hardest, no matter when you start.
"The first $100,000 is a bitch, but you gotta do it. I don't care what you have to do—if it means walking everywhere and not eating anything that wasn't purchased with a coupon, find a way to get your hands on $100,000."
He's right. The first $100k changes everything. It's your wealth-building foundation. Make it happen.