Every worthwhile journey includes uncertainty, fear, and some sacrifice—especially when the destination matters. That’s true of building wealth, too. The good news is that for most people there is a clear, realistic path to building meaningful wealth by retirement—without extreme deprivation or a joyless life. The principle is simple: spend a bit less than you earn and invest the difference, and the earlier you start, the more time compounding has to work. In a society of unp