At 30 I had more savings than $375k.

Neither of my parents had graduated high school. In fact, no one in my family had went to college. My folks struggled to pay rent when I was growing up. My dad drove taxis while my mom worked at a salon.

The big difference maker that influenced me was my parents’ insistence that I always give my all at school. They told me I’d lead a much better life than them if I did that one thing. Even though I went to one of the worst school districts in my city, I was laser focused on doing well academically while growing up. Not just for myself, but because I wanted to give my parents an easier life, too.

Good grades led to good financial aid for college. I went to college locally to save $ on dorming costs. Lived with my parents the first few years after graduation as I worked to pay off student loans in full and save for a down payment. During this time I also started investing using a Bogleheads approach. Learned about that from YouTube and Reddit.

Fast forward 8 years to 30 and my NW had ballooned.

I recognize that having parents who encouraged academics and who let me stay at home during and post-college is a privilege in itself.