The idea of becoming a millionaire in just five years without earning a six-figure salary might sound like one of those too-good-to-be-true internet myths, but I’ve come to believe it’s more achievable than most people think—especially when you look at the mindset and tools available in unexpected places. Let me explain. I’ve spent a good chunk of my career studying wealth-building strategies, and one thing that stands out is how powerful small, consistent systems can be. It’s a bit like what I noticed recently while playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2. The game’s Create-A-Park mode just returned with some new options, most notably the ability to add goals to a park. At first, that might not seem connected to finance, but stick with me. In the first remake, Create-A-Park already allowed players to design some truly imaginative levels, but honestly, none of them really hooked me for long. I’d skate around for a few minutes, admire the creativity, and then move on. That’s exactly how many people approach saving or investing—they set up something basic, maybe contribute occasionally, but without clear targets, they lose interest fast. Goals, whether in a skateboarding game or in building wealth, change everything.
When I saw that the new Create-A-Park update lets creators set specific objectives—like collecting a certain number of points or pulling off a tricky combo—it struck me how similar this is to setting financial milestones. Think about it: without goals, your financial plan is just a vague idea. You might save a little here, invest a little there, but you’re not fully engaged. With goals, suddenly every dollar has a purpose. For example, if you’re aiming to save $200,000 in the first two years—which, by the way, is totally doable if you’re disciplined—you break that down into monthly or even weekly targets. I’ve personally used this approach, starting with just $500 a month in index funds and side hustle income, and watching it compound over time. It’s not about having a huge salary; it’s about maximizing what you have. In the game, goals encourage players to stick around longer, maybe even replay a level to beat their high score. In finance, that same principle applies. You’re not just passively hoping for growth; you’re actively chasing it.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. To hit millionaire status in five years, you’d need to accumulate around $1,000,000, but if you’re not making six figures, that means your annual income might be, say, $60,000. After taxes, that leaves you with roughly $45,000. If you can live on $25,000 a year—which I know sounds tight, but it’s possible with budgeting—you’d have $20,000 annually to invest. Over five years, that’s $100,000 from savings alone. But here’s where the magic happens: with a solid investment strategy, like putting that money into low-cost index funds averaging 10% returns, you could see that grow to around $130,000 from compounding. Add in side hustles—maybe freelancing or selling digital products—and you could easily bump that up by another $50,000 or more. I’ve seen friends do this by dedicating just 10 hours a week to a side gig, pulling in an extra $1,000 a month. It’s not glamorous, but it adds up fast. And just like in Create-A-Park, where the tools are there for creators to build something amazing, the financial tools—budgeting apps, brokerage accounts, online courses—are more accessible than ever. You don’t need to be a genius; you just need to use them consistently.
But here’s the catch: motivation can wane without that sense of progress. In the game, if a park doesn’t have goals, players might leave after a quick session. Similarly, if your financial plan feels abstract, you’re likely to give up. That’s why I’m a big fan of tracking everything. I use spreadsheets to monitor my net worth monthly, and it’s almost like leveling up in a game. Last year, I hit a milestone of $300,000 in investments, and it felt as satisfying as nailing a perfect combo in THPS. Of course, there are risks—markets can dip, life can throw curveballs—but having clear goals helps you stay the course. For instance, during the 2020 market downturn, I actually increased my investments because I knew it was a buying opportunity, and that decision alone added about $20,000 to my portfolio over the next year. It’s all about perspective. In Create-A-Park, the addition of goals might not guarantee that creators will build amazing levels, but it gives them the framework to try. In wealth-building, you have to be your own creator, setting those targets and adjusting as you go.
Ultimately, becoming a millionaire in five years on a modest income isn’t a pipe dream—it’s a system. It requires discipline, a bit of creativity, and the willingness to learn from failures. Just like how I hope the new goals in Create-A-Park lead to more engaging levels that keep players coming back, I believe that with the right financial goals, anyone can build a future they’re excited about. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that every big achievement begins with a single, well-defined step.
