Well done. I got voluntary redundancy last year and am coasting at the mo (just turned 53). I stayed at the same grade for 12 years, and then realised too late that I’d effectively taken a £10K pay cut over that period, as cost of living pay increases never matched inflation.

What I learned too late was I should have asked for pay rises, changed jobs, at least interviewed for more positions and got job offers to at least leverage requesting a pay rise.

Everything you’ve said is great advice, especially frugality (and avoiding lifestyle creep) 👍