Speaking only for myself and my parents - the factor here has been land. They both inherited several hundred acres of farm and ranch land, and purchased some land in-town when it was (inflation adjusted) $90,000, and is now in the $2-3 million range.
They're both terrible at saving, their combined income was never over 50% of what I'm currently making, yet they have both been retired and comfortably living off these "investments" for 20+ years now.
I, on the other hand, am just hoping that I can move to part-time work somewhere in my 60's. I'm hopeful, but it means keeping my current income levels for another 20 or so years, and avoiding any major health or other emergencies.
They're both terrible at saving, their combined income was never over 50% of what I'm currently making, yet they have both been retired and comfortably living off these "investments" for 20+ years now.
I, on the other hand, am just hoping that I can move to part-time work somewhere in my 60's. I'm hopeful, but it means keeping my current income levels for another 20 or so years, and avoiding any major health or other emergencies.