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A Financial Guide to Making Your First Million as an Immigrant

Migrating to an entirely different country isn’t exactly risk-free. Uprooting one’s entire life and trying to plant new roots in a different culture can be nerve-racking, exciting, and scary (seemingly all at once). 

Posted: 3rd March 2020 by
Finance Monthly
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Still, there are countless success stories of humble immigrants coming to the US with not much more than their dreams (and a hard work ethic), beating the odds, and becoming millionaires (and in many cases, billionaires). Elon Musk of Tesla is one of the more recent examples, but there are thousands of other immigrants who came to the US, put in the work, and achieved their dreams. 

So then, how does one start the process of becoming a millionaire? What are some of the nuances of the US economy that immigrants need to be aware of? Should you invest in real estate? What about the stock market, or its less-than-stable cousin cryptocurrency?

Whether you’re looking for tips on forming an investment strategy, want to learn more about how the US economy works, or simply need some advice on saving money, we have you covered. Below we cover everything you’ll need to be prepared for the process of becoming a millionaire in the US. 

Million Dollar Saving Strategies

Believe it or not, most people have the ability to save up to a million dollars in their lifetime. Even if you’re not making a six-figure salary, you can easily employ some basic saving strategies to stretch your dollars into a million (over several years, of course). 

With that being said, there are a few major variables that can affect how long it will take you to save (up to) a million dollars. These variables are listed below:

  • What your annual revenue is (i.e. how much money you earn per year)
  • What your annual expenses are 
  • How much money you’re able to save on a monthly/yearly basis 
  • What the growth rate of your investment(s) is
  • What your savings rate is (i.e. the percentage you’re saving relative to your income)

The majority of financial planners in the US recommend saving at least 10 to 15% of your annual income. If at all possible, and you want to increase your savings rate, you should try to up that percentage (at least a little bit). Saving as much as possible, cutting costs when it makes sense, and living frugally (note: not cheaply) can all help to maximize your savings strategy. 

Making Your First Million Will Be Difficult: Prepare Yourself 

Lots of people have the quintessential romantic notion that they’ll work hard for a few years, meet the right people, the stars will align, etc., and that making their first million will somehow “just happen.” However, the reality of the situation is that making your first million dollars is almost always an uphill battle.

Lots of people have the quintessential romantic notion that they’ll work hard for a few years, meet the right people, the stars will align, etc., and that making their first million will somehow “just happen.” However, the reality of the situation is that making your first million dollars is almost always an uphill battle.

Luckily, though, that battle really only applies for the first million. As you should know by now, it takes money to make money (and having a million dollars to invest in your business ideas/investments makes it a lot easier to increase your revenue). There are tens of millions of millionaires in the US, and many of those are immigrants. 

Indian-born immigrants account for many of these millionaires. But millionaires can come from anywhere and achieve their wealth through different methods, which means that it’s possible for anyone to become a millionaire - you just need to understand that it will take a certain work ethic and a lot of financial savvy. 

Note: If you’re an immigrant looking to start saving money, you should think about finding a side hustle (or two, or three). Most independently wealthy individuals amassed their wealth through hard work (i.e. not just working a basic 9 to 5). Jobs for Indians in the US can be found via countless online resources.

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Quick Tips for Your First Million

Use some of the basic tips posted below to increase your chances of becoming a millionaire. Remember, becoming a millionaire in the US should be thought of as a journey, and emphasizing the actual process (rather than the result) is what will elevate your finances to the next level.

  • Focus on finding investment opportunities to increase your annual revenue
  • Increasing your number of revenue streams is vastly undervalued (and very important)
  • Avoid taking on debt (even if it’s for business reasons)
  • Live as frugally as possible (but don’t neglect your health or mental well-being)
  • Constantly be learning and developing new skillsets
  • Look for new employment opportunities and/or side hustles that can increase your revenue stream
  • Save as much money as possible and then invest that money into emerging markets

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Finance Monthly is a comprehensive website tailored for individuals seeking insights into the world of consumer finance and money management. It offers news, commentary, and in-depth analysis on topics crucial to personal financial management and decision-making. Whether you're interested in budgeting, investing, or understanding market trends, Finance Monthly provides valuable information to help you navigate the financial aspects of everyday life.
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