Lots of good advice above.
Steady monthly investments. Live within your means. I spent 29 years in the Army Reserve in addition to a civilian career - now the biggest single piece of my financial future. No new cars since 1999; even then the three new cars I ever had I kept 7-8 years each. I bought a 2006 BMW for cash three years ago. My wife's daily driver is a 2012 Honda, bought used.
I'd rather be financially stable than look rich. Most of us will never be rich, but we can be comfortable and secure. I'm 60. I could stop working. I will retire early from my civil service job early next year and am now training to be copilot for a local charter business.
Good habits started early pay off in the long term. It's never too late, however, to do better. Thankfully I'm married to someone who thinks the same way.
