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A simple question posted by a Reddit user in r/Millennials struck a chord with thousands: “Are there really people our age that have $100k lying around for vanity projects?”
The post, which referenced expensive home improvements like kitchen remodels and room additions, quickly ballooned into a massive thread with more than 2,000 upvotes and 1,500 comments. Turns out, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
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One of the most common responses was simple: do it yourself.
“I do the work myself for 90% of the project,” one of the top comments read. “Stuff still is expensive, but just not insanely expensive. I am about to start work on our bathroom, and I figure $5k in materials, and I will do all the labor.”
Others echoed that sentiment, saying they or their spouses handle most of the labor. For many, DIY is not just a money-saver but a necessity.
“My husband just redid our entire bathroom himself for $4,000. We’re [a dual-income, no kids household], so that helps. Honestly, though, if I weren’t married to him, I’d still be renting,” another commenter shared.
One person noted, “My family is mostly construction workers, truck drivers, and factory workers. I’m a college professor. In return [for big projects], I arrange for lawyers, find doctors, call insurance companies, do taxes and parse paperwork. They got their skills, I got mine, and we cover each other’s holes.”
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Beyond elbow grease, the biggest funding sources mentioned were home equity loans, Home Equity Lines of Credit, and savings. Those who bought homes before prices skyrocketed often now have hundreds of thousands in equity.
“We refinanced when rates were low in 2021 and took some extra out,” one user explained. They’ve been using a HELOC to do their house renovations.
Others pointed out that strong incomes make a difference.
“My friend’s husband clears $500k a year… they did extensive renovations… all paid in cash,” one person wrote. Another added, “We make about $400k. $50k both is and is not a big number. We’re putting in a patio cover room this year for 48k, and part of me thinks that’s a lot for a 3-season sunroom, and part of me just shrugs.”
Some rely on bonuses, stock options, or side gigs. Others save slowly, chipping away at projects one piece at a time.
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Many were quick to highlight how family wealth or support changes the equation.
“My friend just bought a house in northern Cali. His mom paid for the roof to be redone ($20k+). A family member paid for HVAC. His in-laws paid the down payment,” one comment read.
And yes, plenty of people are financing their projects. “Debt. The answer is usually debt,” one user bluntly replied.
Some emphasized how misleading online posts can be. “Be careful who you compare yourself to,” one user advised. “You only see what they want you to see.”
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This article Are There Really People Our Age Who Have $100K Lying Around?’ A Millennial’s Question On Vanity Home Renovations Sparks Surprising Replies originally appeared on Benzinga.com
