[GianFabien]

I found the most powerful decision was to massively cut back my living costs. When traveling chose the cheapest option, i.e. don't fly when train is cheaper and over-night trips save a night's accommodation cost, etc.

The biggest danger of having had high earnings for a long period is that you spend far more than necessary because you can. When you stop working you stop spending like you used to or your savings will disappear very fast.