Great thread - very interesting to see the common themes and techniques. I'm going to encourage my children to read it for advice and inspiration as they are just beginning to start their independent financial lives.
For our part, we had a large family, and my wife taught the kids at home through eighth grade. With one income and a strong tendency to spend all of it, we accumulated only modest retirement savings (~$300K) by age 48 (2010).
Along the way, my father started a successful consulting business after a 30-year career with the Federal government. My parents decided to use some of the extra income to fund the lion's share of the kids' expenses for in-state college educations. Without their support, we would have had a hard time making ends meet from 2007 on.
Late last year, a large, illiquid, 12-year-old stock position in my employer became liquid due to the sale of the company, and we instantly became financially independent. (I'm still working on the integration and expect to retire next summer with a 26-week severance sendoff from the acquirer.)
While there were some elements of skill at play, I recognize after reading a number of books as well as the material here and on Bogleheads that we made some big mistakes and got pretty lucky along the way and in the end. So now as my kids leave home, I find myself advising them to "do as I say, not as I did!"
Fortunately for them, they are thoughtful people who really want to do what's in their own best interest.