Welcome to Kiplinger’s My First $1 Million series, 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 68-year-old woman who worked for The Coca-Cola Company as an international finance director.
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.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
These features are intended to provide a window into how different people build their savings — they're not intended to provide financial advice.
THE BASICS
How did you make your first $1 million?
I saved in a 401(k) and received a pension. It took my entire career.
What are you doing with the money?
Various things: I've invested it, paid off debt, made donations, traveled — I still have the majority of it.
THE FUN STUFF
Did you do anything to celebrate?
No. I didn't really think about it and didn't realize when it happened.
What is the best part of making $1 million? Did your life change?
Yes, I had financial security.
Did you retire early?
I was forced out at 62.
LOOKING BACK
Anything you would do differently?
I might have invested differently, but that's always after the fact.
Did you work with a financial adviser?
I have had many — some who ripped me off and others who didn't. I like my current guy. I've mostly done it myself, but he manages certain things.
Did anyone help you early on?
I've had a different outlook on investing, so most people didn't understand what I was trying to do.
LOOKING AHEAD
Plans for your next $1 million?
Paying for health care for my husband and me and traveling.
Any advice for others trying to make their first $1 million?
Concentrate on living, not making $1 million. You don't know how long you'll live. Taking things slow and steady and having a good life is best. Also, get a good tax person and a good estate attorney. You need a team, not just one professional.
What do you wish you'd known …
When you first started saving? I saved as much as I could all my professional life.
When you first started investing? I wish I had taken advantage of more professional expertise that focused on long-term returns vs short-term returns, including long-term tax implications.
Before you retired? The future, but of course that's not possible. And that I would make investing mistakes, so be well diversified.
When you first started working with a financial professional? That (you can be) taken advantage of if you aren’t savvy.
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
-
How to Invest as the AI Industry Grows UpHere’s where to find the winners as artificial intelligence transitions from an emerging technology to an adolescent one.
-
I’m 62 and worried about Social Security’s future. Should I take it early?A Social Security shortfall may be coming soon. We ask financial experts for guidance.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired Tech Industry Director, 78, Delaware County, OhioEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
The Country Club Arms Race Adds Perks (And Fees) Beyond Golf. Is It Worth the Expense?As golf has grown in popularity, country clubs are upgrading with amenities for the whole family. Find out what's new and what's worth the cost of memberships.
-
Are You Jeopardizing Your Future to Help Your Adult Kids? An Expert Guide for How to Not Do ThatIf your adult child needs financial help, of course you want to provide it, but crafting a plan that also protects your financial and emotional well-being is vital.
-
The Anti-Prime Day Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking Up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's ClubSkip Amazon and shop these anti-Prime Day deals at Walmart, Target or Sam's Club to save on all of your household essentials.
-
Amtrak Joins Prime Day With Deals on Fares — But You’ll Have to Act FastPrime members can score 20% off midweek fares — what travelers should know before booking.
-
Florida Revives Popular Home-Hardening Program With $280M in New FundingA major infusion of state funds revives Florida's flagship home-hardening grant program to protect homeowners and potentially lower insurance costs.
-
TSA Expands Precheck Benefits for Military, Gold Star Families and VeteransEnhanced "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease" initiative lowers barriers to expedited screening for service members and their loved ones.
-
The Hated TSA Shoe Removal Rule Was Finally Phased OutAfter nearly 20 years, the TSA is ending its shoes-off policy. Travelers will still need a Real ID, and advanced screening remains in place. Here’s what to expect on your next flight.
