Why Making $100K Still Feels Like You're Broke A six figure income used to mean financial security. Today, it often feels like just getting by. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer five real questions from listeners navigating common financial challenges. From high earners with nothing left at the end of the month, to raises that disappear, to wondering if it is too late to build meaningful wealth. We break down the math behind lifestyle creep, investing later in life, defining financial freedom, and what it actually takes to retire early. This episode is about replacing emotion with numbers and helping you see your situation clearly. Episode Timeline and Highlights 00:00 Why $100K feels tight 01:45 Spending vs saving reality 04:30 The disappearing raise problem 07:30 Investing at 42 10:30 Defining financial freedom 13:30 Early retirement strategy 17:00 Are you actually behind Key Takeaways • Income without a system leads to stagnation • Lifestyle creep erases progress • It is not too late to start investing • Savings rate determines speed to freedom • Financial clarity removes unnecessary fear Quotables "Income does not create wealth. Systems do." "Your raise did not disappear. It just was not directed." "Math has no opinion about your past." If you feel behind, you are not alone. But once you understand the numbers, you can finally move forward with clarity.