Being frugal, doing certifications at a young age, being in cyber security (high salary even within tech) and investing almost everything I earned, and being privileged (coming from a financially stable family, getting a highschool education, having a computer from an early age, etc) means that at 25 I essentially didn't have to worry about how much I earn anymore and could just do what I want (still need to earn some money so that I wouldn't start chipping at my savings) and know that as long as there isn't some crazy financial collapse, my savings should be able to casually grow into a retirement on their own.

I recognize that I am really lucky to have gotten the opportunities that I then used to the best of my abilities. I am still living very frugally (in general, but extremely compared to my coworkers) but to some degree that is in my nature. I still find myself sometimes deep diving into my finances to make sure I am correct in my predictions and budget as it is insane to me that I was able to do this.

Important notes for why this is even possible, on top of the stated reasons above:

• I don't intend to ever buy property, even if I could. I will rent until my parents pass away, after that, I might reconsider. (Long term this is the best financial option as investing in stocks yields generally more for less risk, and for now I don't have a place that I want to "settle down" in)
• I am child free and have invested around $3K to get a vasectomy (yes, I see it as an investment to avoid unwanted and expensive consequences, plus it basically pays itself back after a decade of not needing other forms of birth control) So no huge budgetary lifestyle changes expected until my health deteriorates.