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How I Built a $100K Portfolio by 28—Without a 6-Figure Salary

No trust fund, no inheritance—just smart money habits, intentional investing, and real-life numbers you can follow.

Author

Ark
August 04, 2025

How I Reached $100,000 in Investments by Age 28

Hi, I’m Brooke, and I’m thrilled to share a major milestone: I’ve crossed $100,000 in investments! This journey began five years ago when I started working full-time after graduation. I’m not here to boast but to offer transparency and show that financial independence is achievable, even with a 9-to-5 job. You don’t need multiple side hustles—just consistency and drive. In this article, I’ll outline the strategies that helped me hit this milestone and explore what this $100,000 could grow into by retirement. I’m not a financial advisor, so please consult one for personalized advice. My goal is to share my personal strategies to inspire you to reach your financial goals.

Where My Investments Are Held

The bulk of my $100,000 is spread across three accounts:

  1. 401(k): The majority is in my employer-sponsored 401(k), which allows pre-tax contributions, reducing my taxable income now. However, withdrawals in retirement will be taxed.

  2. Roth IRA: This is a fantastic vehicle for anyone with earned income. Contributions are made after-tax, but the gains grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are also tax-free.

  3. Health Savings Account (HSA): I qualify for an HSA because I have a high-deductible health plan (with a $2,700 deductible). HSAs are triple tax-advantaged: contributions are pre-tax, withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free, and the funds can be invested for growth. I’m investing my HSA funds and saving receipts for future reimbursements, allowing the account to grow until retirement. My employer also contributes $750 annually to my HSA, which is a great bonus.

Strategies That Got Me to $100,000

Here are the key habits and strategies that helped me accumulate $100,000:

1. Maximize the Employer 401(k) Match

My employer matches 100% of my 401(k) contributions up to $5,000 annually. That’s free money—a 100% return on my investment. Since contributions are pre-tax, they don’t hit my bank account, creating a “forced scarcity” that makes saving easier. Even if you’re paying off high-interest debt, experts like the Money Guys recommend prioritizing the employer match because it’s an opportunity you can’t reclaim later.

2. Contribute to a Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is a powerful tool for anyone under the income threshold. In 2025, the contribution limit is $7,000 (up from $6,500 a few years ago). I’ve maxed out my Roth IRA for the past three to four years. If you can’t max it out, even small contributions—like $25 or $50 a week—add up over time, especially in your 20s when time is on your side.

3. Harness Compound Interest

Compound interest is the key to exponential growth. For example, if you invest $100 at a 10% annual return, you have $110 after year one. In year two, you earn 10% on $110, resulting in $121—not $120. With larger sums like $100,000, this effect is magnified. Starting early maximizes this growth, unlike high-interest credit card debt, which uses the same principle against you.

4. Practice Deferred Gratification

Deferred gratification means prioritizing your future self over instant gratification. Instead of spending on impulse purchases, I invest in my 401(k), Roth IRA, and HSA. In today’s world of instant delivery and endless online shopping, this mindset shift is challenging but crucial. Saving now ensures financial security later, so you won’t have to work in your 70s or 80s due to insufficient retirement funds.

What Could $100,000 Become?

Using a simple investment calculator (like the one on calculator.net), let’s project what this $100,000 could grow into. Assuming a 7% annual return (accounting for 3% inflation) and monthly compounding:

  • No additional contributions: If I stop investing now, my $100,000 would grow to over $1 million by age 65 (in 37 years). This could provide $50,000 annually using the 4% rule, enough for a comfortable retirement based on my first job’s $50,000 salary, which allowed saving and socializing.

  • With $2,000 monthly contributions: If I contribute $2,000 monthly across my accounts (including employer contributions), the total could reach $5.5 million by age 65. Even if I retire early at 55 (in 27 years), the same contributions would yield $2.5 million—still a robust amount for a comfortable retirement with vacations and a relaxed lifestyle.

These projections assume consistent contributions, but I plan to increase my 401(k) contributions by 1% with every raise to avoid lifestyle creep and boost savings.

Why Starting Young Matters

Time is your greatest asset in building wealth. Even small contributions in your 20s can grow significantly due to compound interest. My goal is to retire by my 50s, ideally by 55, and hitting $100,000 by 28 puts me on track. A $2.5 million portfolio at 55, even with inflation, supports a fulfilling retirement without extravagant needs.

Final Thoughts

Reaching $100,000 in investments is a milestone I’m proud of, and I hope my strategies inspire you to pursue your financial goals. Whether it’s maximizing your employer match, contributing to a Roth IRA, leveraging an HSA, understanding compound interest, or practicing deferred gratification, these steps are accessible to anyone with discipline and a long-term mindset. Start small, stay consistent, and let time work its magic. Here’s to building a secure financial future!