Come on now, don't be smug. For some people that's an available choice to make, but I don't think that's so for a lot of people, especially those who might already be beyond 32, or are mid-career, or have a family or whatever. Life has a way of tripping people up, even if they do have a good plan, or follow one that has shown promise or success. Furthermore, a whole lot of people are not very good at managing their money, or thinking about the long term, through no real fault of their own, but rather a lack of awareness, training and occasionally, circumstance. I think that the last point that you quoted, is a fair one that deserves examination. Empowering the workforce is a good thing.Or you can work smart, plan and retire when you're 32!