Yeah, it makes sense. I have hidden wealth, but thankfully over the years of living in a crap economy, it's slowly winnowed itself into me feeling damn lucky I own my house and car, and being able to "retire" earlier, or at all. The most extravagant things I bought were two master's degrees, which I mostly paid for by working at the university. But neither one bore much fruit. Still--because my initial college was paid for by my parents (back in the 80s, when it didn't cost as much) I got a leg up: no debt. I also got the hidden wealth of my parents who taught me to never get into debt. Most people who succeed get a lot of support--emotional, social and financial.