Die erste Million bis 30 — RichterFoundation

Seven figures by 30 is not typical—but it becomes clearer when you separate income, savings rate, and returns. You need a wide enough gap between what you earn and what you spend, invested in diversified assets, for enough years.

What “€1M by 30” actually depends on

Net worth is assets minus liabilities. For most people in their 20s the levers are: earnings, savings rate (share of income not spent), returns (after fees and tax), and time. Headline stories often mix income, inheritance, and company equity—be clear which ingredients are in your kitchen.

The lever you control first: savings rate

Earning more helps, but spending less of what you earn accelerates the curve. A promotion that lifts lifestyle by the same amount adds little to net worth.

Illustrative sketch (not a forecast)

Someone who invests a growing share of a rising income earlier has a different path than someone who earns the same average but spends first. Small differences in savings rate—say 15% vs 25% of gross—change outcomes more than picking a fund that outperforms by 0.5% one year.

Compounding needs time and consistency

Assume long-term real returns in line with broad equity history—then run conservative scenarios (lower returns, higher inflation) so you are not planning life around the rosiest backtest. Use workplace pensions and ISAs (or your country’s equivalents) so tax drag does not silently erode progress.

Remember: published “wealth by 30” stories often omit survivorship bias. Your goal is a sustainable plan, not a photo of a sports car.

Inflation and lifestyle creep

€1M in the future does not buy what €1M bought decades ago. Think in terms of purchasing power and the lifestyle you want—not just the number. If every raise upgrades rent and holidays 1:1, net worth lags even when income looks impressive.

Realistic paths

Some people hit €1M net worth early via equity in a business or a windfall; others via dual high incomes and moderate spending. Map your own numbers—honestly—and adjust every year.

Questions to ask yourself

What is my net worth today (including student debt as a negative)?
What percentage of income am I saving automatically before I see it?
What one expense category would I cut first in a bad year—not theoretically, but actually?

How to build your first €1M by 30