I have been preparing since around 2018 and have aggressively eliminated all debt.
While interest rates were low, my friends have all borrowed more, I paid down more principle instead.
My spendings have not gone up with my income in the last 10 years, even with career advancements I have not indulged in unnecessary overpriced “luxury”.
That’s how.
You have mentioned and this must make your various sacrifices along the way to get here, worth it. Just for peace of mind at least.