My wife and I worked relatively high-paying jobs when we both worked full-time. We saved 70% of our salaries for several years, which added up extremely quickly. We canceled any services that weren't absolutely critical (like cable television and magazines). We rarely went out to eat.
In other words, financial independence and early retirement was the most important element in our lives. That became the overarching priority.
Without a stationary house, we don't pay personal property taxes. Our utilities are streamlined down to the very minimum and we have the ability to live for extended periods of time "off grid" by utilizing our solar power system on top of our Airstream.
The most common question that we get asked: What do you do about healthcare?
My wife and I are in the unique position of being happy and healthy. Though healthcare is easily the most costly expense for most retirees, it's not for us because we've chosen Liberty Health Share instead of traditional health coverage. The idea behind health shares revolves around healthy people who lead relatively healthy lives. No smoking. No excessive drinking. Costs are shared among the members of the health share, but due to the healthy lifestyles of its members, costs remain quite low. We pay $299 a month for both my wife and me, combined, plus about $50 for over-the-counter supplies.
Our fun (discretionary) money represents our largest expense category. But, that also means we have about $1,000 that we could easily cut back on if we need to. We are enjoying things now that the market is doing well, but we know that it won't always be that way.
The only consistent expenses that we have are health coverage costs, fuel for our truck and of course, food. We need to eat. We also spend a few hundred dollars on campground fees, depending on the month.