Model 1 — Steady Saver (compounding does the heavy lifting)
You start modestly, keep spending in check, and let small monthly savings compound for years. Investment income is barely visible at first, then becomes a quiet second salary that arrives without a meeting or a deadline.
- Early years: grow skills → salary rises; keep spending stable to widen the gap.
- Mid-career: savings rate dips a little as life gets busier, but contributions continue.
- Later stage: you stop adding fresh savings; investment income increasingly covers your gap.
Educational illustration only. Not financial advice.