Here is my savings journey.
Started work in 1983 immediately after
NUS - pay was $1800 pm. Saved $500 pm
3 yrs later, 1986, spent all my savings to buy 1st car- Datsun 120Y. Zero saving, but proud car owner. (nowadays young people must drive conti car then got pride)
1986 - 89, saved $1k pm. Got married in 89. Together with spouse's saving bought
HDB exec flat. Again zero savings, but this time got loan of $100k to service.
1990 - 95, now as working couple, and also earning more, saved more - $25k - $30k pa
1998 - upgraded to condo. Increased debt to $250k. But savings per yr also increased to $50k pa.
2003 - bought 2nd condo for investment. Debt increased to $500k
2003 - 2005 savings per yr increased to $100k. Housing loan serviced by rental.
2005 - 2010 savings increased to $150k - $180k pa. Augmented by dividend income
2010 - now savings at $250k pa including $80k dividend & rental income. Loan cleared.