I don't understand the idea of living so frugal that you don't get to enjoy life just so that you have some money left over when you die. Get rich slow doesn't really make much sense when there is a very good chance I will die before I retire.
The average person (American, anyway) has no financial discipline and will spend every dime they make, and then some. If they simply "increase their income" without the fundamental ability to save / invest, they won't get anywhere long term.
BTW, I'm very good at increasing my income. I usually bring home an extra $2K to $3K a month on top of my day job, and am always looking at ways to grow this.
>they won't get anywhere long term
Where are they trying to go? We all die. And we can't take it with us. At our deaths, any balance left that is greater than zero is an experience that we robbed ourselves of.
Retirement? Do you want to enjoy your old age, or continue working into your 60's and 70's? Would you rather make working a choice than an obligation? Plan ahead.
What is the likely hood that I will live past 60?
Pretty high. Anywhere in the west life expectancy is approaching 80 and beyond.
When you live frugally, you're constrained. There's a max to how much you can save. Furthermore, while you're saving, life passes you by. Opportunity costs.
Who wants to go on a dream vacation when they're in their 60's just to have their hips hurt and their spouse in similar shape? How can we have the dream vacation now and have a pile of savings?
It's better to leverage the upside; figure out how do I significantly increase your income right now. Not increase your income on a probably acquisition 2,3,4 years from now, but increase your income right now.