I recently watched Graham Stephan’s video on how to save $100,000 in three years. Love the guy — I was even in one of his mastermind groups — but his plan assumes you can save $2,777 a month. That’s fantastic if you’re making six figures. But if your income is closer to $50,000? That’s your entire paycheck after taxes. You’d basically be living behind a Chick-fil-A, washing down free sauces with tap water.

So today, I want to offer a realistic roadmap. A version for the rest of us — the ones who want financial freedom without selling a kidney or giving up coffee entirely. Let’s talk about how to reach $100K in savings by being smart, not miserable.

According to The Motley Fool, the average American spends $18,000 a year on non-essentials. That’s $1,497 a month on little things that sneak past your budget:

The point isn’t to turn you into a monk — it’s to wake you up. Every $6 latte and unused subscription is money that could be working for you.

Quick exercise:
Grab your last bank statement. Highlight every unnecessary expense. Now multiply that number by 12. That’s how much money you’re donating to companies every year.

Cut out the easy stuff first:

Result: Free up $200–$500 a month — without changing your lifestyle.

Here’s a little secret: sometimes the fastest way to save more is simply to make more — where you already work.

If it’s been over a year since your last raise, and your company’s doing fine, it’s time. Keep it professional:

Worst case, they say no. Best case, you walk out earning 5–10% more for doing the same job.

Job-hoppers make 35% more in 3 years than those who stay put. Companies love “fresh talent” — even if they ignore the people already delivering results.
If your boss keeps dodging you like Neo dodges bullets, start applying. A small jump in pay can have massive long-term impact.

You don’t have to drive Uber to earn extra cash. Look for short-term, flexible, or fun part-time work:

Even an extra $500–$1,000 per month adds up to $6K–$12K a year — without building a “business.”

Cutting expenses can only take you so far. Earning more? That’s unlimited.

The best side hustles don’t require big money to start — just creativity. Here are some that cost less than $100 to launch:

You don’t need 10 ideas — you need one that sticks.
Start small, earn your first $100, then scale it. That’s how $100 turns into $500, $1,000, then $5,000 a month.

If you’re overpaying for services, congratulations — you’re every corporation’s favorite customer.

Shop around every 6–12 months. I saved $700 a year just by switching providers.

Call and say, “I’m considering canceling.” Watch how fast that “loyalty discount” appears.

Do you really need unlimited everything? Many cheaper plans work just as well.

If your bank charges monthly “maintenance fees,” move your money. There are fee-free banks everywhere now.

Ten-minute phone calls can save you hundreds each year. Don’t underestimate the power of a polite, “Can we lower that rate?”

You don’t need to be rich to use tax deductions — you just need to know they exist.

The key? Don’t wait until April 14th. Adjust your deductions now so you keep more from each paycheck.

Cut expenses ✅
Earn more ✅
Avoid scams ✅
Now it’s time to make your money work for you.

The S&P 500 historically returns about 8% annually.
If you invest $1,368/month for 5 years, you’ll hit $100,000.
Want to hit it in 3 years? $2,450/month.

Not ready for stocks? Try real estate:

If that sounds far off, remember: every big portfolio started with one small deposit. Compounding is the quiet miracle that makes “impossible” goals real.

Can you save $100,000 in three years? Maybe. But the real goal isn’t a number — it’s freedom.

Freedom from living paycheck to paycheck.
Freedom from overpriced lattes that don’t bring you joy.
Freedom from bosses who “can’t” afford a raise but drive Teslas to work.

You don’t have to live on ramen or give up fun. Just be intentional. Cut dumb expenses, earn smarter, and invest consistently. The rest takes care of itself.