I'm incredibly fortunate, thanks to no huge, unexpected expenses (medical or otherwise), relatively good health, some solid investments and maxing out the 401 for over 20 years, i was able to retire at 56 in 2019....
Best advice in my opinion is have multiple income streams and balance your withdrawals from them accordingly....
Pretty much same. I learned very young not to run credit cards. I've saved up to buy nearly everything and when I did have credit paid it off asap to save interest payments.
I will be fully eligible and able to retire at 55. Might stay till 58 to take advantage of a deferred retirement plan.