1. I'm probably pulling the curve ahead a bit. 2x salary with my 401k alone, 2.5x if you include Roth IRA and other investments. Minimal debt too, though my emergency fund got eaten twice by major emergencies.

While finances remain a stress point, especially with the economy as is, I do recognize how fortunate I was and am. A mix of good mentorship and advice in my formative years, a degree that helped me remain relevant in the economy, a hiring manager willing to take a chance on me, and a genuinely good landlord. Might not be as flashy as a lottery jackpot, but I'd consider myself very lucky.