One hundred thousand dollars. Twenty years ago when I was an optimistic high school student (even a young college student or truly even when I was a young lawyer) I dreamed of having $100,000 in cash or salary. I thought a six figure salary meant that you were rich. I thought a $100,000 was a lot of money. Frankly, it is a lot of money and I would not turn down a $100,000 salary or $100,000 in cash. However, in the last 20 years I have learned that a $100,000 does not make you rich.
What made me think of this? I finally reached $100,000 in cash/investments. I hate to break this to you all, but despite this, I'm not rich.
For future me, I want to lay it out.
$57,175 in investments Roth/Taxable account
$10,989 in a HYSA
$33,429 in a bank account
Total: $101,593
I know this is only a temporary amount of money. The stock market may drop considerably today and I'll have substantial losses. Also, over $25,000 of this money (in the HYSA and bank account) is marked for me to purchase a new car). At some point, I plan to spend the money set aside for a new car.
On the other hand, I will continue to save and continue to contribute to my retirement account and taxable account. I know that this number will also continue to fluctuate and, if I'm equal parts diligent and lucky, this number will increase.
Cheers to Tuesday and cheers to being rich (one day).
