It's really hard to compare the value of fiat money overtime without adjusting it for inflation. A 30 year time period is a very long time if you assume a 2% inflation per year. The problem is if you don't invest your money for such a long time and lose purchasing power every year. I still remember in the 90s where 1 million USD was a huge sum and it actually made a difference. Today a family owned apartment in a good neighbourhood can already make you a millionaire, even if you have no money at all in your bank account. It's best to get away from fixed numbers, like saying I need 100,000 USD in my bank account and I will feel rich. It's better to look at your wealth in terms of what you can buy with it. Everything is relative to the price of goods you have to pay. Another solution would be to move to cheaper locations. With 100k USD you won't get far in Singapore, but you will feel like a king in Philippines.