‘I had to make a really drastic change’: This 37-year-old single mom went from just $10,000 in savings after her divorce to earning nearly $1 million a year — here’s how she did it

From humble beginnings

Wang grew up in Kaifeng, a small city in central China, where societal expectations pushed her toward a traditional path. In 2013, she moved to the U.S. to earn her MBA at Duke University. Just two years later, she landed a six-figure job as a sourcing manager in the hardware division of a Seattle-based tech company.

Wang took time off to raise her daughter, but when her marriage ended, she was suddenly faced with an uncertain financial future.

Divorce isn’t cheap — most Americans spend between $15,000 and $20,000 on legal fees and related costs.

On top of that, Wang relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area where the average home sells for $1.2 million, according to Realtor.com.

With expenses piling up, life didn’t cut her any slack — but instead of letting financial stress hold her back, she found a way to grow her income.

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Tripling her income

Wang’s new job at Google came with a big paycheck, around $300,000 a year, a figure that towers over the average American salary of $66,622, according to the Social Security Administration.

But, she didn’t stop there. After transitioning into Google’s AI division, Wang took an even bolder step in 2024, leaving the tech giant to join a startup. The move paid off, tripling her income and bringing her earnings close to the $1 million mark.

“The market is very competitive,” she says. “Everyone is trying to get the best talent.”

While climbing the income ladder, Wang remained just as strategic about her finances as she was about her career. She took a disciplined approach to saving, ensuring her growing paycheck also fueled her long-term financial goals.

Don’t forget to save

Wang didn’t let a nearly seven-figure salary lead to lifestyle creep.

Instead, she prioritized investing in her future and her daughter’s financial security, contributing an average of $35,000 annually to her investment accounts. She maxed out her 401(k) and individual retirement account (IRA), set aside $1,000 for her health savings account (HSA) and dependent flexible spending account, and made sure every dollar worked toward long-term wealth.

You don’t need Wang’s paycheck to take a page from her playbook. One way to get started is to review your budget and determine what you can realistically invest — no amount is too small if you’re consistent with it.

If your employer offers a 401(k) match, you could consider contributing at least enough to maximize it. If you’re self-employed or without a workplace plan, an IRA can be another way to help you grow your retirement savings.

Investment choices can be overwhelming, and the right mix depends on your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Consulting a financial adviser can help you find the right balance — whether that’s stocks, bonds, real estate or alternative assets.

At the end of the day, wealth-building isn’t just about how much you make — it’s about how well you use the resources that you have.