Scott Stratton Says $1,000-a-Month Investing Can Build $1.2 Million by 30
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Jul 5
Scott Stratton Says $1,000-a-Month Investing Can Build $1.2 Million by 30
1 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Jul 5
Summary
$1,000 invested monthly from birth at a 7% annual return would grow to about $1.2 million by age 30, Scott Stratton said, framing compounding and time—not windfalls—as the main wealth engine.
Stratton said parents should aim for a head start rather than dependency, steering support toward behaviors that build wealth instead of simply giving children cash.
Student debt is his first target: total borrowing should stay below one year of expected starting salary, ideally at zero through 529 plans, scholarships, in-state schools, employer aid or loan-forgiveness programs.
Early investing is the second lever, with Roth IRAs for teens who earn income and parent matches for good saving habits; he warned that oversized car loans, credit-card debt and delayed investing can quietly destroy wealth.
Homeownership should not be rushed, he said, especially for young adults likely to move within five years, and parents should secure their own retirement and estate plans before helping children financially.