Here is how I got my first million at the age of 33:

1. $360K from savings, after working for about 9 years.
2. $90K from stock investment.
3. $260K from owning a small condo.
4. $200K from my company stock option.
5. $90K from my parents’ wedding gift for the formation of a new household.

No, I didn’t win a lottery. But I was fortunate in many small and big ways, such as a good-sized cash gift from my parents, and an upward ride with the California housing craze, and quite a substantial fortune from my company stock option. However, without my consistent savings and consistent investing efforts, I couldn’t have completed the other 45% of the million dollar dream.

Here are some related posts that you may be interested for each category of the above money:

1. Income: Yes, I’m below median household income of $120K for the place that I want to live.
2. Savings: My budget & savings before 2008, and new budget for 2008
3. Stock investment: (not ready yet)
4. My condo: (not ready yet)
5. Company options: my previous millionaire attempt, MyTwoMillionsAt28 dot com.
6. Parental gifts: my biggest financial blunder: regrets on not using my parents’ gifts wisely.