I am fortunate that I got a job that pays me better than if I had stayed at AWAC and upgraded at my longevity, and that my wife also has a good job.
That said, even as a probationary FO making $25k and with my wife in a dead-end, entry-level job making less than that we were still able to pay extra every month on our student loans...while putting 10% into my 401k and bolstering our savings. The key to doing this is budgeting for no more than basic monthly guarantee, living well below your means, and NOT HAVING ANY ADDITIONAL DEBT!
While it is VERY true that luck and timing plays a big role in financial security...but even those with meager incomes can pay down debt & create wealth with strict financial discipline.
After all, how many "broke regional FOs" do you folks know that have iPhones?