3 min read · Dec 18, 2023
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My journey into the world of Internet marketing began around 2014, fueled by the intriguing figures mentioned by influencers like John Reese and Frank Kern.
They often spoke about making money online in terms of “four figures,” leaving me with a burning question:
How much is four figures in real money?
The ambiguity persisted — was it a monthly or yearly income, and did these figures represent gross or net earnings?
In the realm of personal finance, a four-figure income translates to earning between $1,000 and $9,999, typically every month.
For example, someone making $4,500 per month falls into the category of a 4-figure income.
While this income level might seem modest, its real impact depends on your location and personal circ*mstances.
But here’s the burning question:
Can you still lead a decent life in today’s world with a 4-figure income?
Defining 4 Figures in Monetary Terms
A four-figure income, ranging from $1,000 to $9,999, signifies a monthly earning with occasional references to annual wages.
Examples Illustrating Four-Figure Amounts
Let’s break down the value with some examples:
- Small four-figure amounts: $1,000 can serve as an emergency fund benchmark, £2,500 for a used car down payment, and €3,750 for a basic family vacation.
- Medium four-figure amounts: $5,000, common for college scholarships, ¥7,500 for monthly rent in certain Japanese cities, and ₹6,500, the cost of a mid-range smartphone in India.
- Large four-figure amounts: $10,000, significant for home down payments, €15,000 for a substantial vacation, and £20,000, the average cost of a year’s tuition in the UK.
Understanding the annual equivalent across different time frames provides a clearer perspective.
The Significance of High, Mid, and Low 4 Figures
- High 4-figure income: $7,000 — $9,999
- Mid-4-figure income: $4,000 — $6,999
- Low 4-figure income: $1,000 — $3,999
While 4-figure salaries are relatively rare on an annual basis, they exist in part-time or temporary positions.
Jobs may include seasonal retail, part-time administrative roles, entry-level positions in hospitality, or freelance gigs.
Pros:
- Flexibility for part-time or temporary roles.
- Opportunities to gain valuable work experience.
- Networking potential in various industries.
Cons:
- Low income, making it challenging to cover living expenses.
- Limited or no access to benefits like health insurance.
- Job instability in temporary or gig economy roles.
Surviving on a 4-figure income in 2024 is challenging, especially on an annual basis.
Factors like cost of living, location, and careful budgeting play crucial roles.
Cost of Living Considerations
- Location: Choose areas with a lower cost of living.
- Housing: Opt for affordable housing options.
- Transportation: Explore cost-effective commuting alternatives.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Track expenses and create a monthly budget.
- Save on groceries and cut back on non-essential expenses.
- Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
If you aim to increase your income beyond 4 figures:
- Negotiate a higher salary: Research industry standards, quantify your accomplishments, and consider non-monetary benefits.
- Explore side hustles: Freelancing, e-commerce, affiliate marketing, and investments can boost your income.
- Invest in yourself: Pursue education, attend industry-specific workshops, and enhance your skills.
In conclusion, achieving a 4-figure income is ambitious but feasible. Balancing traditional employment with online ventures can pave the way to financial stability.
Embrace opportunities for extra income through strategic approaches, and you might find yourself surpassing even 5 or 6 figures.
Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below.