Flexibility - A couple, both in their early 60s, retired with $2.38M (86th percentile) built steadily over decades through dual professional incomes, consistent saving, and investing primarily in a 401(k) (now IRA), home equity, and other assets. They left high-demand, stressful jobs while still in their early 50s and moved to a comfortable, moderate-cost locale. Their annual spending is about $100K, but the luxury is truly in their flexibility: travel, hobbies, and plenty of time with friends, grandkids, and each other. Health insurance, taxes, and recalibrating identity post-work were hurdles, but flexibility adjusting spending or location as needed has been the most valuable asset in both their financial and personal planning.

A couple (ages 64/63) are a dual-military U.S. Navy veteran pair that have been married for over 38 years. They met in college and both embarked on careers in the U.S. Navy, began their financial journey with a clear focus: saving. He served for 20 years in the submarine force, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander, while she dedicated 25 years to active duty and the Navy Reserves in meteorology and oceanography, retiring as a captain. Their accumulated net worth is 90th percentile for their age group. More than half of their net worth is in real estate (primary home and an investment property - both in Hawaii) and the remainder is in equities (taxable and Roth IRAs).