Are you a millionaire? ONLY if yes, then... How did you do it?

Adding together all of my assets including the market value of my home and netting out all of my liabilities (debt) I am. I did it the same way that most people do it. I work hard to move myself up the ladder, I went out on my own to be my own boss and I set money aside every month since I was 23. 20 years later I'm considered a millionaire -- I've got a LONG way to go before I can stop the daily grind though. A million just ain't what it used to be. It's a goal, but not the ultimate one. I was not obsessed with making the money, I was obsessed with learning what I do and to do it well.

I am not there yet(and it will probably take me 20 years to get their in todays dollars), but I am a lot farther along than I thought I would be at my age. The only reason I would like to be a millionare is to fund a comfortable retirement. I have been interested in finance and investing since I started working. I have also had great luck. 1. I choose my parents well and they paid for my college. I think they also gave a good sense of priorities. 2. My grandparents had a mix of luck a disipline and were generous with their windfall. 3. I was in the stock market in the beginning of this decade. 4. I bought a townhouse in 2002, and got out of the market(except for my 401k). 5. My company stock has done well and I have made decent picks in my 401k.

Yes I would be considered a millionaire. I started with nothing and worked for 30 years at a job I enjoyed very much (teaching). My salary was always decent, but never as high as many of my friends who still have nothing. I have a great home, membership in a country club and athletic club, can afford anything I want. The key is how much you save, not how much you make. Ways to increase your chances to become "rich:" 1. Buy things that you need, not what you want. 2. Shop wisely for bargains; avoid frittering away you money on things with little lasting value. 3. Learn how to invest wisely and for the long haul. For example, consider investing in mutual funds rather than individual stocks. Diversify your investments to protect agains short-term fluctuations. Once you get a reasonable amount of savings, you will be surprised how quickly the money grows. 4. Stay clear of all get-rich schemes, and avoid those who tout them. 5. Discover that you can have a rewarding, satisfying life without spending like a rich person. Ironically, you then are likely to become rich.