"Designed" - A 31-year-old nurse and his 29-year-old wife, both nurses from modest backgrounds, reached $1M in net worth (96th percentile for their age) the same month they welcomed their first child while both transitioned to part-time work. Living in a mid-cost city, their journey featured travel nursing, overtime, tight budgeting, two home purchases (one co-owned), and zero student loans thanks to scholarships and family support for essentials. Their wealth spans cash reserves, retirement accounts, brokerage, and two properties; “design” is central, as they made conscious choices to front-load their careers, live below their means, and still invest roughly 10% of income after going part-time. Their next move: coast toward $2.5M while making the most of parenthood and flexible schedules.