The chart is fairly accurate. I was 54 when we got married. I was near broke after paying off all debts and she had a little savings, but paid cash for everything, including cars.

We followed her idea, paid cash for everything, and lived mostly off of one salary.

This meant that we saved almost 50% and retired fairly comfortably in 16 years. We still pay cash for everything. Each year, the spreadsheet tells us how much we can spend on travel, and other things, to not run out of money.

Would not have happened if we did not have money discussions.