I literally know several local families that came here from the Hills of Eastern Kentucky and have made millions of dollars, and started businesses that have employed hundreds of people. Rags to riches...
My Grandfather made millions and millions but I am under no delusion that any schmuck who simply follows the rules and "works hard" will be able to do it.
Do you know the percentage of millionaires, (liquid millionaires) that exist in the United States compared to the rest of the population? Its about 2 percent and under.
My Grandfather did it by work, innovation and connections and other various ways, some rather cutthroat and nefarious. He also did this in the 1950s and 60s when you could get away with a whole lot of shit, especially being Jewish. ( no need to get into conspiracy theories, Jewish people have a network and not a conspiracy)
My point is, hard work and rule following alone will not make you a millionaire. You are going to have to cut corners. The American Dream is not real. To be successful, other HAVE to fail and you HAVE to MAKE them fail or at least revel in their failure.
Most likely you will be no more successful than your parents or your immediate family as this is the best predictor of wealth. Like anything there are exceptions to the rule, but prior family wealth is certainly a stepping stone as to where you will be.
The idea of the little man working his way to the top is only for story books feel good news stories that give the illusion that they too will make it.
Guess what, chance are you can`t and you won`t.