Despite earning a modest salary during training, 29-year-old Eric Chan has built an investment portfolio worth around $1.2 million across brokerage, savings and retirement accounts. According to reports from Mint, Chan's total investment portfolio includes nearly $146,000, around ₹1.38 crore from an investment account his mother opened for him. His parents covered the cost of both his undergraduate education and medical school, allowing him to graduate debt-free and avoid taking on any other form of debt.
Chan's combined annual income with his wife reaches approximately ₹1.51 crore, with his wife earning about ₹4.1 lakh in 2025 as a personal trainer. As reported by Mint, Chan receives an annual Air Force stipend of $78,600 alongside his residency salary of $76,000. His wife's income brings their total to roughly ₹1.60 lakh annually. Chan joined the Air Force through its Financial Assistance Program, which provides an annual grant and monthly living stipend during residency, in return for serving for three years after completing training.
Chan and his wife maintain a disciplined approach to spending despite higher living costs. According to Mint, they buy groceries in bulk, prepare most meals at home, and limit dining out to once or twice a month. The couple also avoid unnecessary driving to reduce fuel costs. Chan hopes to save roughly half of his income over the long term and eventually achieve financial independence through his investments. As an Air Force captain, he expects to earn total annual compensation of between $150,000 and $175,000, approximately ₹1.65 crore, including housing and other allowances.
After completing his three-year family medicine residency at Providence Alaska Medical Centre in Anchorage, Chan will undergo four months of Air Force training in Alabama, Ohio and Washington before beginning his assignment in South Korea. As reported by Mint, Chan plans to eventually return to Alaska, where family physicians in rural communities often work rotational schedules that allow extended periods away from work. His ultimate goal is to reduce his working hours and work on a part-time basis, with his investments providing a safety net to spend more time with family and pursue aviation interests.
