Rebel
I agree with your sentiments exactly. Residual income is how to build wealth, I'm a contractor, In my state when the economy took a dive we bought foreclosures many in my hall, where losing their homes or walking away from them after striping the equity out of them living above there means then, when there homes weren't worth what they owed, they walked. When they got word I was buying foreclosures they criticized, that I should be pioneering because the economy crashing was a sign that the political system was next and this system could not last, I was putting my faith in the wrong things. Well here we are 10 yrs later.
I do agree about not living a extravagant life, there's no need I have no one I need or want to impress. But we have what we need and we are all healthy. Family to me, is the most important thing, will always choose them over making money. Money = Tool is the best analogy, when you need it, it's invaluable if you don't have it, it causes a lot of hard work to achieve the same outcome.
If I lose it all! I don't worry I came from humble beginnings, I will always remember how to be poor.