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How Tori Dunlap Saved $100K by 25 - The Viral Story Behind a Financial Feminist.

  • Writer: Arethon
    Arethon
  • Jul 20
  • 2 min read
From Vending Machines to Six Figures to being a Millionaire, Tori Dunlap has had an amazing journey.
From Vending Machines to Six Figures to being a Millionaire, Tori Dunlap has had an amazing journey.

Saving $100,000 before turning 26 might sound like a dream, but for one young woman, it became her reality. And guess what? She didn’t win the lottery. She worked smart, stayed focused, and used a few clever tricks to hit her big goal.


How Tori Dunlap Hit $100,000 by Age 25


When Tori Dunlap set out to hit six figures by age 25, she was just 22, working her first job out of college. But she didn't stop there—Tori started a side hustle in social media marketing that earned her tens of thousands more. The extra cash gave her a boost and helped her fast-track her savings.


KEY TAKEAWAYS


  • Tori Dunlap saved $100,000 by age 25 using a mix of side hustles, smart investing, and disciplined saving.

  • She used tools like Roth & SEP IRAs to grow her money early through compound interest.

  • She negotiated higher salaries, avoided student debt, and automated savings to make her strategy stick.

  • Her story proves that with clear goals and smart money habits, early wealth-building is possible.


Strategic Investing: Setting Up IRAs Early


Knowing how compound interest works, Tori opened a Roth IRA at age 22 and maxed it out every year. She also contributed to a SEP IRA and a taxable investment account. These early moves helped her money grow, even while she continued to work. 


Graduating Debt-Free


With parents' support, scholarships, part-time jobs, and even a vending machine business, Tori graduated without student debt. She acknowledges this was a privilege, but also emphasizes that her efforts—working three campus jobs and earning over $30,000—played a major role. 


 Tori runs a successful YouTube channel called 'Her First 100K' that focuses on financial literacy and empowerment for women. Photo Credit: Her First 100K YouTube Channel.
Tori runs a successful YouTube channel called 'Her First 100K' that focuses on financial literacy and empowerment for women. Photo Credit: Her First 100K YouTube Channel.

Mastering Salary Negotiation


Tori took charge of her career by negotiating multiple salary increases. She secured $10K–$20K more at her first and second job, significantly boosting her income trajectory. 


Automating Savings Like a Pro


Perhaps most powerfully, Tori automated 27% of each paycheck to transfer into a high-yield savings account at a different bank. This “out of sight, out of spend” tactic helped her build wealth without second-guessing.


Why Tori’s Story Matters


Tori’s $100K milestone gave her the freedom to quit a toxic job and launch Her First $100K, a platform supporting millions in financial growth. By age 27, she became a multi-millionaire and a leading financial voice, with a bestselling book and podcast under her belt.


Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational use only and should not be interpreted as financial advice or a recommendation to trade any securities. Please do your own research or speak with a qualified expert before making any investment choices.

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