Now that I'm 51, I have seen some people become wealthier than others. They tend to have at least half of these things going for them:
Had parents who taught them the value of a dollar; often college educated parents.
Have a college degree or trade school
Don’t spend money they don't have to.
They get in at the beginning stages of a private industry that is about to see growth.
Painfully frugal at times.
Always moving forward.
Take financial chances.
Buy real estate.
Don’t feel guilty about making money or charging a high price for their services.
Take a job based on income rather than fulfillment.
If someone has many if not most of the above traits at, say, 25, he may be wealthy by 45.