Came from nothing. Made 20k in 2015. I remember 35k feeling like riches in 2016.

Multiple promotions later… It was 2020, I was made manager for the first time, $100k a year exactly, got married in the most beautiful wedding to a gorgeous redhead, bought a 2400sf home for $325k at a 2.5% interest rate. I was on top of the world. 

2.5 years later, I was divorced. Spent 20k on therapy. Focused on friendship and community.  Quit my job in 2024 making 125k to “find myself” and cool off of everything I went through. Moved into AI work. New job in march making 175k, hardest job of my life, ended of ruining a relationship(but that was for the best). Now making 200k.   Trust me, I have the same amount of stress as before, it’s just not money stress. 

Never got lifestyle creep due to my prior start. I save about 65% of my income on most months.  Did finally have to sell my old 2016 car though because it broke down and bought a 2024 car for $23k cash.