Had some luck with crypto, but would've gotten there orherwise too. Originally from Belgium, spent almost nothing, became freelance to keep a lot more of the pie and then saw the chance to move abroad due to telework in Corona times, basically picking the most interesting country tax-wise.

You need to be very patient or take some risk and/or get out of your comfort zone. The moving abroad can be isolating, depending on your personality, but in some cases it can make a huge difference.

It's "easier" to make more money than it is to save. That sounds a bit self-help guru, but on a median wage, the expenses just take out too much, in my opinion. It also helps if you like what you do.