We Make $263K A Year In California — And Saved Nearly $500K In Our 20s

At just 30 and 27 years old, Quinn and Brittney Sturgis, a married couple serving in the Air Force, are on track to retire in their early 40s — if they choose to. Both officers are stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, earning just over $263,000 in combined salary and paid military benefits, with roughly a quarter of it automatically stashed in investment accounts.

This story is part of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which details how people around the world earn, spend and save their money.

Produced by: Tasia Jensen
Managing Producer: Beatriz Bajuelos
Camera: Kevin Heinz
Editor: Dennis Donovan
Animator: Elham Ataeiazar
Reporter: Mike Winters
Senior Production Manager: Kathy Mavrikakis

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We Make $263K A Year In California — And Saved Nearly $500K In Our 20s

[DiscoveryGlobeLifeDocumentaryY]

Saving nearly $500K in their 20s while living in California is seriously impressive! It shows how discipline, smart investing, and leveraging military benefits can create financial freedom.

[franku]

One thing I regret is not joining the Air Force straight out of high school. Wasted my 20s but got my life together in my 30s. Im happy for them.

[Nac]

Air Force paid for my bachelors, masters, pilot training, follow on aircraft training(s) and now my PhD. There’s a lot of give (particularly family sacrifice), but overall it’s been a good ride so far.

[infini.tesimo]

Yup these people are squared away. I have no complaints, they're winning in every front and will be millionaires without even trying after they leave. Remove the excess, live in quality, and you have a happy life.

[player]

200k plus a year with no debt. Thats rich

[esqure]

If they can stomach the military for another 14 ish years, they get to retire with a pension at around age 42 as well.

[asnboy]

A real middle class family and they are not social media financial guru influencers? WOW! this is such a treat, thank you CNBC for showing real people.

[DailyProg]

I am surprised that for once you guys finally interviewed someone who isn’t a finance influencer who is selling crappy courses to defraud people

[maryluong]

I love the couples attitude. I love how nothing is handed to them, they work hard for what they get.

[SusanLizzy-kozz]

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the gift of life and blessings to me and my family. I remember when I was homeless and faced many challenges in life, until I started earning $120, 000 biweekly. All thanks to Miss Kiana Daniel. Imagine investing and receiving $120, 000 in a few weeks... ❤️❤️

[Thebluesky]

Being an officer in the military is such a plus ans way to get ahead in life especially if you come from a lower middle class to poor class, good for them!

[Gregg]

I came across your channel through this video-
case studies are incredibly valuable, and I'm eager
to see more in the future! Building wealth involves
establishing routines, like consistently setting aside
funds at regular intervals for smart investments.

[Myulls]

This is a great advertisement for becoming a pilot in the Air Force :-) nicely done!

[LuDogVlogs]

That’s amazing 2 smart young couple. I make $230k a year and I get to have my wife stay at home taking care and raising our children. Such a blessing

[rangledangle]

That housing allowance is a game changer. Almost like cheating. Kinda reminds me of UBI.

[brandyrobinson]

Such a sweet family! Thx for your service 🇺🇸

[nicoj]

They'll be getting military retirement in their 40s.

[amyiwan]

I think is my fav episode on this show. This approach to finances is applicable to lower income. Holistic approach to spending only on what's important to them and being frugal in other areas while taking advantage of all possible areas. Big kudos! I hope their story is shared with more people! Also special thanks to Ramit for his thoughtful financial advice to the world, making financial education approachable from all walks of life!

[limeflavoredbleach]

Military members CAN be rich. I know several reserve members that have high paying careers outside of the military. And even some that are contractors or have their own businesses. It’s such an amazing thing to see these service members do better in the civilian world.

[rickyc]

As an Air Force veteran Im proud of these young airmen utilizing the benefits for serving our country. Such great role models…. God Bless them❤