Obviously, financial success means something different to every person.

What is wealth to some, would be a bare existence to others.

Remember, one cannot be financially successful if one is not "debt free".

Consider this definition of financial success:
"Financial success is the ability to live for the remainder of your life without outside help, working if you choose, but doing so only if you desire. It is the ability to have the things you want and need, despite any occurence other than the most catastrophic of outside circumstances".

When building financial success, you must measure your net growth not the net value.