When people reach their early 40s, the gap between those who planned ahead and those who didn't starts to become really visible.
@lunarloony @anon_opin having wealthy parents.
In almost every article about "ordinary" people retiring at 40, if you read the whole thing it turns out they inherited a house or apartment, lived rent free at their parents, or started something with a "small loan" from them. Never having a mortgage is a good plan, I admit that.
It's just that the requirements aren't available to most.