Retiring before the end of the year with 1.5M in my retirement funds. That's exactly 25 yrs of my current annual living expenses. Wife and I still plan to work recreationally but also long travel to lower cost of living areas for 3-6 months which will also lower out living cost. Plus, my 1.5M will have 70% still invested in the stock market earning 8-10% annually while the other 30% makes a lower safer 4% in bonds, money market, high yield savings.
Those interested in early retirement really need to get the book, Simple Path To Wealth by JL Collins. The method is slow, boring, but effective. Spend less than you earn and invest the rest in broad based, low cost index funds. It really is that simple.
The 1st 500K took a long 15 yrs, then hit 1M in another 7 years, then another few years to hit 1.5M. That's the power of compounding interest. I believe it takes 7.2 years to double your money if you are investing the same amount, look up the Rule Of 72.
Oh, I never been frugal either just very intentional with my money. Travel twice a year but not paying for 1st class or staying at The Four Seasons. Maybe when I start collecting additional cash from social security or my balances need to be drawn down I'll splurge on 1st class travel.
