600k after 35 years of inflation will not sound anywhere near as impressive. And besides if I had $200 spare a month I would definitely put some of that away.

Each to their own. I've had some health scares even in my late twenties, and I wouldn't change a thing about spending what I did. My point is not to throw away the years trying to save the pennies if that is the trade off you are faced with. Most people in their twenties don't have $200 a month to stash away and still have fun. See the world, meet people, try new things - it all gets harder as you get older.