I have found that people tend to lives to their means in the US. (ie, many in the US do not save unless it's via 401k or something that gets the money before they do)
In my opinion, true wealth isn't a specific value, but when you reach the point where your money earns enough to keep you comfortable without being required file a W2 / self employed with set must work hours. The number really depends on your lifestyle. If you want to drive high end cars, massive house, and vacation homes. It's a lot more than others. If you're a home body and don't need to be flashy with your money. You can be wealthy on a lot less.
Your family came make $80k combined salary / year and be happy, or you can make $500k / year combined salary and be miserable. Money is one of the keys to unhappiness, but it can also help you obtain some levels of happiness. For instance, I have lots of hobbies and many hobbies don't come cheap as others. If I can afford to practice those hobbies, it makes me happy. The second I'm using that money to keep up with the Jones, or get the biggest and best luxury item misery will set in.
If you base your views on money, you will be miserable. If you base you happiness on things other than money. You can be happy at many different levels of wealth.
I've never had an issue getting up and going to work, but I find as I age. I don't want to work 50 hours a week anymore. In cases like this, you need your money to start providing income too. This is why it's important to save your money and invest your money. (and I don't mean day trading investing. You don't get compounding interest if you do) Investing that money puts your money to work earning more money.
As Einstein said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it ... he who doesn't ... pays it.”
