I've been working for 5 years, so I started about 3 years later than many people (extra year undergrad, 2 years grad). I also didn't get serious about investing until 2.5 years ago so my NW was about 30k cash. My salary didn't accelerate to approach yours until just recently- my progression was 57, 60, 65, 90, 120. In the past 2.5 years I've maxed my 401k, maxed 4 years of IRA, and invested about 60k in taxable. I'm putting away 55k+ in total investment contributions per year now.

Not so secrets: I'm naturally frugal, my friends are either poor or frugal, I rarely drink, I live in a cheap apartment with an easy commute to Midtown but not in Manhattan, my job provides lunch and health care.