15 years of tracking every dollar built an Australian's portfolio to over $1.3 million
4 min read · RealCase summary
The blogger behind Aussie Firebug, who began pursuing financial independence in 2013 and started a business in 2022, reported a net worth of $1,839,809 as of October 2025 -- up $115,096 from the previous month -- with a FIRE portfolio (excluding superannuation and home equity) north of $1.35 million.
That month marked a specific milestone: passive income of $4,419 exceeded expenses of $4,403 for the first time. Over the prior three years, the portfolio had produced dividends of $44K (6.22%) in 2022-23, $31K (4.21%) in 2023-24, and $28K (3.15%) in 2024-25, alongside total returns of 17.89%, 17.79%, and 16.77% respectively.
He called the milestone "a financial/Excel milestone" rather than a life-changing event, noting that real passive income arrives in five annual chunks -- four dividend payments plus a tax refund -- rather than as a steady monthly figure, and that he hasn't started selling down shares since his business still generates active income.
Key takeaways
- ›Publicly tracked monthly net worth and investment portfolio value for 15 straight years
- ›Invested a large share of household income into shares/index funds outside of superannuation and home equity
- ›Portfolio reached AU$1.35 million+ (~US$880,000), generating over AU$4,000/month (~US$2,600) in passive income
Original source
Read the original (Aussie Firebug)
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