The ‘First $100K’ Family Investment Plan – A Step-by-Step Guide

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You know the saying: The first $100K is the hardest. Well, they weren’t kidding.

Between mortgage payments, sports gear for the kids (that they insist they need), and the occasional surprise expense (looking at you, car repairs), building that first six-figure investment nest egg can feel like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it.

But here’s the good news—you can do it. And you don’t have to live on instant ramen or cancel every fun thing in your life to get there. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Get Your Financial House in Order (Before You Build the Mansion)

Before investing, you need a solid financial foundation. That means:

✅ Paying off high-interest debt (like 22% APR credit cards)

✅ Having an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses so you don’t panic when the AC dies in July)

✅ Tracking your cash flow (because “Where did our money go?” isn’t a solid investment strategy)

Once you’ve got that covered, you’re ready to start building.

Step 2: Automate Your Investments (So You Don’t Have to Think About It)

Life is busy. Between work, family, and the 17th snack request of the day, remembering to invest manually is not going to happen.

That’s why automation is your best friend. Here’s how: