Welcome to the fifth installment of Kiplinger’s My First $1 Million, in which we hear from people who have made $1 million. They’re sharing how they did it and what they’re doing with it. This time, we hear from a 69-year-old certified retirement, transition and longevity coach in Sammamish, Wash. See our earlier profiles, including a writer in New England, a literacy interventionist in Colorado, a semiretired entrepreneur in Nashville and an events industry CEO in Northern New Jersey.
Each profile features one person or couple, who will always be completely anonymous to readers, answering questions to help our readers learn from their experience.
These features are intended to provide a window into how different people build their savings — they're not intended to provide financial advice.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The Basics
How did you make your first $1 million?
I made my first $1 million via stock options from a biotech company — it came on my first-year anniversary with the company. I was granted more over the next seven years.
What are you doing with the money?
My first $1 million was used to set money aside for my kids’ college. The rest was used to reinvest and start saving for the long term.
The Fun Stuff
Did you do anything to celebrate?
Yes, I bought two bottles of champagne — one cheap and the other expensive — to remind myself it didn't matter.
What is the best part of making $1 million?
(Not having to worry about paying for the) kids’ college. (I also) have an emergency fund and can help others who are less fortunate.
Did your life change?
Yes. (The money) gave me more confidence to seek and take risks in the workforce.
Any plans to retire early?
I was 36 when I got my first $1 million. I worked nine more years, then tried to retire and pivot to other things. I am still working after trying retirement a number of times.
Looking Back
Anything you would do differently?
Nothing at all.
Did you work with a financial adviser?
I worked with an adviser after the first money was in my account. I now do most of my own investing and management, but I use Robert W. Baird for advice.
Did anyone help you early on?
(I was helped by) mentors at work who had already gone through what I was going through. My boss was amazing — we still talk and meet to this day, 34 years later.
Looking Ahead
Plans for your next $1 million?
Gifting to the kids as well as things like more travel, major home improvements and repairs, as well as add to the nest egg.
Any advice for others trying to make their first $1 million?
Don’t let the money be the driving force (in your life). Make sure you have sound savings, spending, budget and investment knowledge first, then work hard, be a team player at work and find a good industry that rewards good work.
What do you wish you'd known …
When you first started saving? Save more and spend less.
When you first started investing? Patience and diversification.
Before you were old enough to retire? That time was going to move fast and to be ready with other things to do outside of work — socializing, being with family, making new friends, enjoying hobbies.
When you first started working with a financial professional? More literacy to be able to ask more questions and understand.
If you have made $1 million or more and would like to be anonymously featured in a future My First $1 Million profile, please fill out and submit this Google Form or send an email to MyFirstMillion@futurenet.com to receive the questions. We welcome all stories that add up to $1 million or more in your accounts, although we will use discretion in which stories we choose to publish, to ensure we share a diversity of experiences. We'll also want to verify that you really do have $1 million. Your answers may be edited for clarity.
Related Content
-
Dow Adds 300 Points, Ends Losing Streak: Stock Market TodayThe Dow, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq head into the weekend on high notes after posting gains for the first time since Monday.
-
Quiz: Coast, Barista, Lean or Fat? Which FIRE Retire Early Style Is Right For You?Test your knowledge of the different types of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) with this short quiz.
-
Dow Adds 300 Points, Ends Losing Streak: Stock Market Today
The Dow, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq head into the weekend on high notes after posting gains for the first time since Monday.
-
The $2.5 Billion Amazon Settlement: Key Dates, Claim Eligibility and MoreAmazon agrees to a historic $2.5 billion settlement over its Amazon Prime memberships. Here's what you need to know about the case and filing a claim.
-
The 10 Best Travel Hacks Every Active Retiree Should KnowMore and more retirees are hitting the road for their dream trips, and with some creative travel hacks, you can travel the world without breaking the bank.
-
How to Add Your Favorite News Sources to Google Top StoriesGoogle now lets you choose which outlets you want to see more often in Top Stories. Here's how to set your preferred sources in just a few clicks.
-
Home Equity in Retirement: Should You Sell, Borrow or Rent?Learn how to preserve your property's value, tap equity for income and make smart choices about downsizing, renting, or leaving a legacy.
-
Passive Income: How the Ultra-Wealthy Build Wealth While They SleepHow the wealthy create passive income streams that keep paying long after the hard work is done.
-
Foldable Phones: Are They the Future or Just a Passing Trend?Foldable phones offer eye-catching design and extra screen space, but not without compromises in cost, durability, and convenience. We weigh the pros and cons.
-
A Financial Adviser's Guide to Divorce Negotiations: Civil — or NotWhether you go through a friendly mediation or a contentious court battle, all divorce agreements need to address the same key issues.
