If you invest money now in a tax advantaged account in strong performing mutual funds, you will 10x your money in 30 years. This is continual. If you can only invest 1k, it will take 300 years to reach 100k if the market stays the same as it has for the last 100 years, which it probably won't. If you can invest 1k each year for 10 years, in less than another 30 years, (total 40 years) it will be 100k. This is more likely and predictable. The more you can invest continuously, the more that can be. The lesson that comes about this is generate as much positive cashflow as possible and keep expenses low. Assuming you have basic living expenses, you will need to make at least (basic_expenses + $1k) for at least 40 years to reach that goal. The more you make above basic_expenses the more you increase that timeline. If you can invest $10k into mutual funds each year for 10 years, you'll be a millionaire in 40 years.
More money early is how it is done and that is why wealth stays at the top. Education is the fastest way to make higher income, even with student loans. With inflation, US federal student loans depreciate almost as fast as they gain interest, and 1/5th the rate mutual funds grow. This obviously tips the wrong way if you monthly payments exceed your ROI on your career path causing you to be unable to invest.
