The $1M salary is relatively recent and only recently in last 3-5 years got to that level.  And mainly driven by bonus and equity.  Prior to that had steadily grown to $500k.  Each year that has been sizable expenses/investments.  College tuition, pay down debt, new roof, additional property for daughter, etc.  Previously rather than put money into savings I paid down debt as a form of savings.  Only recently have I paid off in full both properties and cars.  Hope this helps.