The Big Idea
You don’t need a giant paycheck to build a life. If you control spending, lock a smart mortgage, and invest a little every month, compound growth does the heavy lifting. Use the sliders to see how a $30,000 income can still cover a $200,000 home and grow a long‑term portfolio.
Play with the numbers
Can the income carry the home?
- Monthly income (pre‑tax)$2,500
- Estimated tax/withholding$—
- Take‑home (est.)$—
- Mortgage payment (P&I)$—
- % of gross income (front‑end DTI)—%
- Rule of thumb (<=28% ideal)—
Rules of thumb aren’t laws. Living modestly, house‑hacking a room, or adding a side income can make a tight budget workable while you invest for the long run.
Your money tree over time
This shows regular monthly investing with compound growth. Markets move up and down, but time in the market beats timing the market.
Story: Seeds → Saplings → Orchard
Your income is the water. Your budget is the hose that directs it. The mortgage is a sturdy tree you’re growing for shelter. Investing is planting a new seed every month. At first it’s just dirt and patience—but give it seasons, and you’ll have shade, fruit, and extra seeds to share. Keep planting.