I think we can characterize this as a public service announcement, and I think it's offered in that spirit. Good advice for those starting out.

My husband and I can regard the advice retrospectively. We dipped in the market only occasionally. Always felt like little fish among whales. Conservative savers. That's what we did. We saved. Every single paycheck we had money taken out.The same amount, which was increased when we could afford more. You'll laugh, but we put money in savings bonds. There was a time you got as much as 8% for a bond. Those were good times :)) Employee share accounts. As much as we could spare. And, pay off debt, quickly. Get rid of the mortgage as soon as possible.

We're OK. Can't talk about generational wealth, but can talk about security (actually, I'll never feel truly secure--the world and events take over) in our old age and helping out the next generation.

I don't overlook the role of luck. Being born in this country. Having employment opportunities. Being well enough to work. So many factors out of our control could have derailed financial security.

Luck. I never underestimate that.