Show Notes
Yes, my $100K story has been in the New York Times, Business Insider, and on ABC News — and yes, I did it in 2019.But every time it goes viral, my DMs say the same thing: "Cool for you, Tori, but that was a different economy." So let's actually talk about it. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what I would do differently if I were starting from zero in my early 20s today — what still works from my original system, what I'd change, and why hitting your first $100K in 2026is harder, but absolutely not impossible. This isn't a motivation episode. This is a framework episode built for the economy we're actually living in, with real numbers, real talk about systemic barriers, and a step-by-step system you can plug into your own money starting today.
Want to build your first $100K, but not sure where to start? Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to get my free guide.
Get my HYSA recommendation, my book, Financial Feminist, and more resources from this episode at https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod
How I Saved $100K at 25: https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/how-to-save-100k/
Intro
How Tori Hit $100K (Origin Story)
What Actually Went Into It
What Tori Didn't Have
Why 2016–2019Was Different Than Now
What's Genuinely Harder Today
The Latte Factor Era Is Dead
The System Still Works
If I Was Starting Today
Step 1: Stop Trying to Be Perfect
Step 2: Don't Write Off Someone's Story
Step 3: Redefine What Your $100K Means
Step 4: Automate Your Savings
Step 5: Focus on Growing Income
Negotiate Every Job Offer
Step 6: Start Investing Now
Step 7: Values-Based Spending
The Full Plan Recap & Free Resource
Closing: You're Not Behind
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