I say this as a member of this community, who are (generally speaking) relatively well paid folk in IT.

If you have a partner in life then you’re even better off again.

I don’t believe it’s actually that hard to reach FUM if you’ve got your fair share of luck, discipline, a partner, and the stable environment. For those who don’t have those things, I respect your position and wish you the best of luck — I’m sorry life is harder for you.

Edit: I’m aware you need insurance too, for health, life/death, accidental, etc. Again, you need a stable environment to make this work and be easier to achieve — the USA is not a safe nor stable environment.