💰How hitting my first $10K changed everything

read time 2 minutes

Hi there, 

As an immigrant kid who became a self-made millionaire in my mid-20s, I knew I had made it when I saved my first $10,000. Nothing compares to the feeling of seeing that first $10,000 in your bank account.

Up until then, I was always playing catch-up; working multiple jobs, stressing about every unexpected bill, and feeling like I’d never get ahead. But crossing that $10K mark flipped a switch. 

Here’s what I noticed:

1. Peace of Mind
Suddenly, emergencies didn’t scare me anymore. Car repair? Medical bill? Covered. I built my emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, so not only was it safe, but it also earned way more interest: 10–20x above the national average.

2. The Power to Say No
With $10K behind me, I realized I had options. I didn’t have to take every extra shift or side gig. I could say “no” without panicking about money.

3. Confidence + Fun
The first $10K just hits different. It gave me confidence in my money habits and the freedom to enjoy life a little more without guilt.

4. Momentum Kicked In
Once I wasn’t scrambling, my savings grew faster. Good habits stuck. Debt got easier to manage. The stress melted away.

5. Space to Invest
I finally had breathing room to start investing bigger sums of money. When you’re not in survival mode, you can actually think about building wealth.

6. Guilt-Free Enjoyment
It wasn’t about blowing money. I still budgeted. But I could actually enjoy things knowing the bills were covered and my safety net was secure.

The takeaway? That first $10K is more than just a number; it’s a turning point. It’s stability, freedom, and the foundation for everything that comes next.

If you haven’t hit it yet, start small. Park your savings in a high-yield savings account and automate deposits. It’ll get you there faster, and trust me, you’ll feel the shift.

Don’t know where to start? Pick from my favorite HYSAs here.

Using my affiliate link helps support my team and I to create new content for you every week. Thank you! 

- Milan and Team

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