In today’s world, money plays a crucial role in our lives. We work hard, set goals, and strive to achieve financial stability.
But what exactly does it mean when someone talks about earning “4 figures“? How much is 4 figures, and what does it look like in terms of income?
In this blog, we will explore the concept of 4 figures and delve into their significance in our financial lives.
Whether you’re a teenager, a young adult, or a working professional, understanding 4 figures is essential for budgeting, planning, and setting financial goals.
So, let’s dive in and learn all you need to know about 4 figures and their impact on your financial journey.
How Much is 4 Figures?
A “4-figure” number is just a number with four digits, like 1,234 or 9,999. When we talk about money, it’s any amount between $1,000 and $9,999, which is referred to as a “4-figure” amount in terms of money because of the number of digits it contains.
So if you see a number between $1,000 and $9,999, it’s called a “4 figure” amount because it has four digits.
But if the amount is less than $1,000 or it’s $10,000 or more, then it’s not a “4-figure” amount.
What is a 4 Figure Salary?
A “4-figure” income refers to any income between $1,000 and $9,999. For example, if you earn $8,500 a year, that’s a 4 figure income. It’s not a lot to live on, but it could be decent extra money for part-time workers or moms with side jobs.
In the United States, most full-time workers earn more than 4 figures, with the average salary being around $55,640, which is 5 figures.
Higher incomes like 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 figures are often associated with executive positions and successful businesses, providing more financial stability than a 4 figure income.
How much is 4 Figures When it comes to Income?
A four figure income is an annual income between $1,000 to $9,999. This is a very low income, even for a single person.
It is below the federal poverty level. Most people could not support themselves and their families on this amount. They would struggle to pay for basic necessities like food, rent, transportation, and healthcare.
Anyone trying to survive on a four figure income would need government assistance and subsidies, along with very cheap housing and minimal expenses. It would require an extremely frugal, challenging lifestyle with little room for emergencies or extras.
While it is possible to physically live on this amount, it is well below a “living wage” in most areas.
How Much is 4 Figures in Annual Income?
If you’re only making a few thousand dollars a year, you’re seen as earning very little. Most folks making between $1,000 and $9,999 yearly might be working part-time or earning less than $5 an hour, which isn’t allowed by law in the United States right now.
Teens and Young Adults
Most folks earning a 4 figure salary are often teenagers, young adults, or stay-at-home parents working part-time.
For young adults with part-time jobs, it’s important to make smart money choices, control spending, and aim for full-time careers that can support you as you grow into adulthood.
You Need a Budget to Track Spending
You’ll need a budget to watch your spending and avoid getting into debt. With a 4 figure salary, you don’t have much money, so it’s crucial to be careful with your spending.
Find Ways to Stretch your Dollar
There are many ways to save money, like using coupons, eating out less often, and driving a cheaper car. Unless you’re really good at saving money, it’s going to be tough to invest when you’re earning a 4 figure salary each year.
How Much is 4 Figures in Monthly Income?
When you earn a 4 figure salary each month, it’s important to think about it in three groups: low, mid, and high earners. Each group has different things they want to focus on and different goals to reach.
Low Four Figures
If you’re a low earner, making between $1,000 and $3,000 each month, it’s important to concentrate on building your career and how much money you can earn. You’re making enough to cover your needs, but there’s not much left over to save or invest for the future.
Mid Four Figures
If you’re a mid-earner, making between $3,000 and $6,000, the goal is to keep earning that money while also finding ways to make extra money without working too hard. You can do this by investing in things like property or the stock market, which can bring in money without you having to work all the time. This extra money, also known as passive income, can help support you and your family through additional income streams and online ventures that require a lot of hard work.
High Four Figures
If you’re a high earner, making between $6,000 and $9,999, you’re in a good spot. You can follow the same advice as mid-earners, like investing for extra income, but with more money to play with.
However, if you are only making a meager income in the high four figures range, it may be a struggle to make ends meet. Just be careful not to waste money on things you don’t need.
By saving and investing wisely, you can build wealth faster and have more time to spend with your loved ones, making smart budgeting even more crucial.
How Much is 4 Figures in Weekly Income?
When it comes to a weekly four-figure salary, whether it’s low or high, there’s a big difference.
Once you’re earning more than $1,923 a week, you’re making a yearly six-figure income, which is really good! If you’re making over $2,000 a week now, it’s time to think about growing your wealth.
With a budget and careful spending, you should be able to max out your company’s 401k plan. If you’re earning a high four-figure weekly salary, focus on saving a lot of money.
With more money to spare, you can work towards building wealth and aiming to retire with over a million dollars. This is also a good time to think about investing in a life insurance retirement plan or LIRP.
How Much is 4 Figures in Daily Income?
If you’re earning over $1,000 a day, well done!
You’re part of a very small group of high earners, less than 1% in the US.
When you reach $2,740 a day, you’re in the elite club of seven-figure incomes!
Making four figures a day brings perks but also some downsides you might not have considered:
You’ll Pay High Taxes
What does this mean for you? Well, first off, get ready to pay a hefty chunk in taxes. Sure, there are ways to lower what you owe, but being part of the elite means shelling out more money to the government.
People will Dislike You
Also, be ready for some attention from others. It might be hard to relate to people who earn around $350,000 a year when you’re just trying to get by. So, if you’re part of the elite, expect some envy and bitterness from others.
Is a 4 Figure Salary Good?
No, making a few thousand dollars a year isn’t enough to live on. It’s really not much money. But if it’s just extra money on top of what you already make, it can be helpful.
For example, if you’re a stay-at-home mom and your husband earns a full-time salary, this extra income might be all you need for the year.
Jobs That Pay 4 Figure Salaries
Part-Time Jobs
If you want a part-time job that pays a few thousand dollars a year, you might find roles like being a server or bartender in some places. These jobs can earn you between $1,000 and $9,999 annually.
How much you make usually depends on how many hours you work and how much you get in tips. It’s pretty common to earn a few thousand dollars from a part-time job like this.
Summer Jobs
In the summer, you might search for temporary jobs that pay a few thousand dollars.
These jobs usually only last for a short time and involve working when lots of people are on vacation. For example, you might work as a lifeguard, a camp counselor, or in a store in a tourist spot.
Just like with part-time jobs, how much you make depends on how much you work, the type of job you have, and where you work. But it’s possible to earn a few thousand dollars in just a few months. This is a great option for students!
Internships
If you’re doing an internship, you might also be earning just a few thousand dollars. When you’ve recently finished college or working during the summer, you might need to do an internship to kickstart your career.
Internships usually don’t pay much because they’re all about getting experience rather than earning money.
Remote Jobs
Remote jobs offer a chance to make a few thousand dollars.
As a freelancer, you can write, design, or code for pay.
Managing time and skills well helps earn thousands.
Remote jobs vary in stability, some being gigs, others steady. Part-time, summer, or remote work can pay thousands.
Tipped Employees
When we talk about earning a few thousand dollars a year, tipped employees are important to consider.
People like servers at restaurants, valets, or bartenders often make most of their money from tips. They usually get paid a lower hourly wage.
Tipped workers might get paid as little as $2.13 per hour, as long as the tips they make add up to at least the regular minimum wage.
Even with tips, these workers might still end up earning just a few thousand dollars a year, especially if they work part-time or in industries where the hours aren’t consistent.
How to Increase your Income?
Are you fed up with barely getting by each month? Is your yearly salary only in the four-figure range? If that sounds like you, there are some ways you can earn extra money.
Educate Yourself
You probably already know that having a college degree can help you earn more money in today’s economy. But did you know there are other ways to boost your income by learning more?
Even if you’re not planning to go back to college for an advanced degree, there are lots of classes and programs you can take to keep learning and improve your skills. This can help you get better-paying jobs.
Start a Business
Starting your own business is one way to make more money, but it’s tough work. You can’t just do it now and then – it takes a lot of time and effort.
You’ll have to work long hours and give up some things if you want your business to succeed. But if you’re ready for the challenge, having your own business can be really fulfilling.
Start a Side Hustle
Everyone seems to have a side job nowadays. A side gig can earn you extra money. It helps save for goals, pay debts, or just have more cash. A side hustle is an extra online job you do next to your regular work.
There are no strict rules about what it must be.
You could sell items on Etsy, write freelance, or clean windows. A side hustle can boost your earnings quickly.
Starting an online store is great if you enjoy crafting. You can sell self-made or wholesale items and find unique selling points.
You can start affiliate marketing as a side job. Earn by promoting other businesses’ products. This diversifies income and may increase earnings. One idea is making keychains with affiliate links to materials used.
Is it Possible to Live On a Four-Figure Salary?
Yes, it is possible to live on a four-figure salary, but it requires careful budgeting and likely some lifestyle adjustments.
Here are a few tips for living on a limited income:
- Reduce housing costs. Find roommates or live with family to cut housing expenses. Rent a room rather than an entire apartment. Or consider living in a lower cost area.
- Use public transportation and limit car costs. Take buses, trains, bikes or walk when possible. Avoid car payments by buying an older used car outright.
- Cook more meals at home rather than eating out. Meal prep and bring lunch to work. Look for grocery deals and buy generic brands.
- Limit splurges. Cut back on discretionary spending for entertainment, travel and shopping. Be thoughtful about subscriptions, memberships and other recurring costs.
- Look for free or low-cost recreation. Take advantage of free museums, events, parks and community resources.
- Consider a side gig. Drive for a ride share service, do freelance work or monetize a hobby to earn extra income.
- Use coupons, cash back apps and loyalty programs. Be strategic with credit card rewards.
- Build an emergency fund. Even small amounts saved regularly add up over time.
- Shop thrift stores, consignment shops and yard sales. Be open to second-hand items.
With diligent budgeting and resourcefulness, a four-figure income can support simple, frugal living in many parts of the country. The tradeoffs require minimizing discretionary spending and costs. But the forced simplicity can also lead to fulfillment.
Why Striving for a Four Figure Salary Matters?
Here are a few reasons why striving for a four figure salary matters:
- Financial stability and security – A four figure salary provides a basic level of financial stability and security. With this level of income, you can generally afford necessities like housing, transportation, food, utilities, etc. It gives you a foundation to build on.
- Opens up more options – With a higher income, you have more options in terms of where you can live, the type of housing you can afford, the ability to save and invest for the future, and being able to afford occasional luxuries and recreation. A four figure income provides more flexibility and choices.
- Reduces stress – When you’re earning enough to cover your basic needs, it reduces financial stress and worry. You don’t have to constantly stress about making ends meet or juggling bills. A four figure income allows more peace of mind.
- Ability to support others – A higher income allows you to better support dependents like children, a spouse, or aging parents. You have more ability to cover costs for a family.
- Savings and investment potential – With a four figure income, you can save and invest more for the future. You can put aside money for retirement, emergencies, big purchases like a house, and other financial goals. Delayed gratification pays off.
- More career opportunities – Many higher paying jobs or promotions require that you already have experience working at a certain income level. A four figure income opens more doors to advance your career long-term.
The main point is having a 4-figure income gives stability, comfort, planning ability, and more opportunities. Though challenging, it’s a valuable financial goal for many individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a four-figure salary refers to an annual income ranging from $1,000 to $9,999.
While it may not seem like much compared to higher incomes, it is still significant for individuals starting their careers or looking for part-time opportunities. It’s important to create a budget and find ways to stretch your dollar to make the most out of a four-figure income.
Additionally, exploring opportunities for education, starting a business, or creating a side hustle can help increase your income over time.
Overall, striving for a four-figure salary matters because it signifies financial stability and opens doors for future growth and opportunities.
So, don’t underestimate the value of a four-figure salary and continue working towards your financial goals.