This somewhat describes my parents. They put off doing anything financially advantageous or risky (IE, going into business) be The End was sooooo very, very near. Did not want to be "materialistic". No pensions and thus worked well into their 70's. Fortunately for them, they inherited a nice stash (a couple of times).
Occasionally i think about the fact that this could have been us if we'd have repeated the same mistakes. We were zealous JDubs. We did a lot for "Kingdom Interests". Lots of "investment" -- money, time, sweat, etc. Fortunately, I realized early on that wealthy JDubs were revered. (When you're rich they think you really know. ~ Tevye) Thus, I had no qualms about working with the goal to make money (vs just getting by and pioneering). I worked for a couple very successful businessmen early in life and they were my role models. Here we are today, outcasts in the JDub World (tho not DFd or DAd), but have heard back through the grapevine several sneers about us enjoying our "Paradise" now.
The greatest revenge is living a happy and successful life!