“Intentional” - A 43-year-old university administrator and his 45-year-old wife (manager) from the Midwest, married 24 years, have quietly built a $1.1M net worth (88th percentile for their age group). Their assets are roughly 55% investments, 20% cash, and 25% home equity, with almost no debt. Together, they earn $160K–$170K/year, much of it from “mid-level” jobs plus steady side teaching. By never trying to beat the market (indexed, “Boglehead” all the way), living far below their means, tracking net worth monthly, and always prioritizing saving/investing first (now socking away 35–40% of income), they’ve compounded wealth without windfalls, inheritance, or big salaries. Vacations, family experiences, and generosity (up to 20% charitable giving in good years) are their main splurges. Their advice? Treat debt like poison, never buy more house or car than you can easily afford, and trust the process of slow, steady compounding.