How to Make a Million Dollars (Without Winning the Lottery)

You ever sit down and really think about money?

Not just the “I need to make more” kind of thinking.

But the deep, uncomfortable realization that one day, you’re going to be old, and your bank account will decide what kind of life you get to live.

I had that moment years ago.

I was in my early 20s, fresh out of school, making just enough to survive.

And then it hit me—if I didn’t figure out how money actually worked, I’d spend my whole life working for it instead of making it work for me.

So, I did what any broke 20-something with an internet connection would do.

I started learning.

The First Rule of Getting Rich: Start Early

Most people don’t think about money until it’s too late.

A study from the New York Post found that less than half of Americans over 30 do not even know what a 401(k) or IRA is.

That’s insane.

Because here’s the truth: money has a time value.

A dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow.

The sooner you put your money to work, the less you have to work for money.

Let’s say you start investing at 25.

You put money into an S&P 500 index fund, which has historically returned about 7% per year.

You want to hit $1,000,000.

Here’s what you need to invest annually:

• Start at 25 → approximately $5,000 per year (to hit a million by 65)

• Start at 35 → approximately $10,000 per year (to hit a million by 65)

• Start at 45 → approximately $24,000 per year (to hit a million by 65)

See what’s happening?

The earlier you start, the less you have to put in.

Compound Interest: The Cheat Code of the Rich

Albert Einstein (allegedly) called compound interest the eighth wonder of the world.

He wasn’t lying.

Here’s the formula:

A = P(1 + r/n)^nt

It looks complicated, but all it means is:

• The more you invest early, the faster your money grows.

• The longer you wait, the harder it gets.

And if you ignore it?

You don’t just miss out—you pay for it.

A look at Bankrate.com calculations… (20 year contribution)

Stop Wasting Time—Get Started

A lot of people tell themselves, “I’ll start investing when I make more money.”

That’s a lie.

Most millionaires didn’t get there by making crazy money.

They got there by starting small and being consistent.

If I could go back and talk to 22-year-old me, I’d tell him one thing: stop waiting.

Your future self is counting on you.

Best,

Jake

P.S. If this hit home, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

And a look at Bankrate.com calculations… (30 year contribution)