$1.8 Million Net Worth at 34 in Illinois | Ben Johnson

Track your net worth with Monarch Money Get a free trial plus 50% off using my partner link → https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney You can’t grow what you don’t measure. In this interview, we sit down with Ben Johnson, who built a $1.8 million net worth by age 34 while raising a young family. Ben shares how he and his wife paid off $80,000 of debt in just two years, grew their household income from $110K to over $250K, and consistently invested in low-cost index funds to build long-term wealth. We dive into their investing strategy, how they balance retirement accounts like 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and HSAs, and why tracking net worth monthly has been a game changer for their financial progress. We also discuss generosity, raising kids with strong money values, and how discipline and consistency can outperform motivation when it comes to building wealth. If you’re looking for a practical, real-life example of building wealth through a strong income, smart investing, and intentional living, this conversation delivers. If you’re on your own financial independence journey, subscribe and check out more interviews like this. Resources: Monarch Money (track your net worth) https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney CHAPTERS: 0:00 Your income is your greatest wealth-building tool 0:22 Meet Ben Johnson ($1.8M net worth by 34) 1:08 Starting with $80K in debt 2:18 How they paid off debt in 2 years 3:10 Getting on the same financial page as a couple 4:00 Growing income in supply chain careers 5:15 From $110K to $250K household income 6:10 Breaking down their $1.8M net worth 7:08 Investment strategy (401k, Roth IRA, HSA) 8:30 Unique assets: pinball machines and hobbies 9:29 Paying off the mortgage in 5 years 10:30 Balancing tax-deferred vs taxable investing 11:30 The importance of generosity and giving 13:00 Using your skills to give back 14:14 Teaching kids about money and generational wealth 16:00 Future goals: travel, flexibility, and family 17:00 Career enjoyment vs early retirement 18:00 3 keys to building wealth (income, tracking, discipline) 18:50 How Ben tracks his net worth _____ MARRIAGE KIDS AND MONEY: This award-winning YouTube channel is dedicated to helping families build wealth and thrive. Each week, Andy Hill shares actionable advice and tips for family financial independence. Also, he interviews personal finance experts, families who've achieved financial independence and work optional parents to inspire you to do the same. BIO - ANDY HILL: Andy Hill, AFC® is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping families build wealth and happiness. Andy's advice and personal finance experience have been featured in major media outlets like CNBC, Forbes, MarketWatch, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and NBC News. With tens of millions of downloads and views, Andy’s message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world. When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a Soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing in his hammock. ✅ CONNECT WITH US Order My Book "Own Your Time": https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Follow On Instagram: http://instagram.com/marriagekidsandmoney Read our Blog: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com Listen to our Podcast: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/podcast-archive/ Subscribe to my YouTube channel today to strengthen your family tree and live financially free! HOW WE MAKE MONEY & DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone, and this content has not been provided by, reviewed, approved or endorsed by any advertiser. Information shared on this channel is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Research & Writing: Andy Hill, AFC® Video Editing: Hinz Video Thumbnail: Ardi, The Thumbnail Wiz Channel Management: Michelle Ahmed