I find this too general, too simple advice (as you have said is not a spoon-fed enough answer) as its not clear enough. If I'm reading this as a youngster, this does not guide the decisions that they make in life that will allow them to reach FI. Also most of them are far off from retirement, so basically what they want is to be rich enough that they can not worry about their spending habits.

My take on this view :

1. 20-30 years old - Work hard, climb up the corporate ladder, increase your income while trying to maintain and minimize expenses. If you really start from nothing, work hard - try to live in a responsible way, gather experiences and invest in yourself (knowledge, connections) - don't waste your time and money to go clubbing, bar everyday (socializing once in a while is fine, connections made), spend money on expensive shit, having extravagant weddings.

Also, don't invest in real estate too early, I've seen sooo many peers trying to buy their first house too young (25-30years old) either for own use/ for "investment" - only burdening yourself with liabilities (instead of growing your invest-able income, you are now forced to pay interest on your loan)

2. 30-40 years old - Armed with greater financial income (higher position, better salary, good amount of savings/investments). Now this is where compounding can really work in your favour - faster rate to keep growing your money. Better investment options, more opportunities, chance to increase avenue of income. Of course expenses would have also increased with bigger responsibilities, but as always money management comes into affect here.

3. 40-50 years old. Pay off house loans, get rid of existing debts (or only take in Positive debt - meaning you can work that money better than what you pay on the loan). Even have opportunity to start a business. You may be nearing the end goal of your FI/RE.

Can't talk too much of going into 30 - 50 range, maybe others has better idea and opinions about this.

Back to FI/RE topic, its very simple bro there are many ways to invest in yourself and by that I mean in knowledge and skills. There are many life skills that one can obtain to further improve your financial position. For eg if you are already an Undergrad, you can choose to pursue an MBA during weekends or weeknights. Then in those MBA classes you may be able to meet new friends and connections who all wants to better themselves, they may be 'atas' or not 'atas' (and don't underestimate others, just because they have not succeeded in life now does not mean they might not 10 years down the road - don't meet people with ulterior motives , smart and rich people can sniff those out in a second). Invest in connections means you can be friends with them now and 10 years later you realise that you are lucky to maintain relationship with the guy.

I know lot of young guys want to meet ppl with "good connections" and "winning mentality" but then realistically you have to ask yourself. Why would your peers who are successful (lets say rich too) want to get to know you? Rich successful people want to stick among rich successful guys. Its a tough world, now you have to think - what can you bring to the table (truthfully not everything resolves around money) that allows you to enter to their circle of friends. For eg. lets say you are a doctor (but of course at this age, you have not achieved much) - but you have good knowledge in medicine. When you mix around more "atas" ppl , you can give them free medical advice, give them a quick checkup - and then they will start to think ok this guy may not be successful atm , but he has good medical skills and knowledge. Now 10 years down the road, you are a specialist doctor - now opportunities may arise , those friends who you have been in your circle decides to invest in you and start a franchise clinic - BOOM you are their no.1 choice. Now the same can be said of many other skills and knowledge (accountant, you can help them do tax, architect - you can help them to do free house design - example here la - i don't think i can spoonfeed more, the rest you think yourself.

For side topic, im gonna be realistic here, if you come from average family with not so great background meaning your parents aren't going to be leaving you much (or you may have to support them) then that means you have to work 2x or even 3x as hard. If you are 20-30 and you want to be FI/RE by 30/40 it's going to be tough, you may have to wait till you are 50/60. What you can do? Take on a couple jobs, if you are banker during the day (invest and study computer science at night) then you can part time do projects for others. or study photography and you can take on a couple of photoshoots at low price (so this is what is known as hustling).

It’s basically socializing & networking. As mentioned already, it’s more about what value can you bring to the table?

Life is pretty much giving first before getting anything in return, really like an investment i.e. you have to cough out some money first as capital before getting any returns. So invest in networking too e.g. join seminars or some paid events/functions to meet with certain people. If you’re cheap, start with free events first. Just staying caved up in your house & office ain’t gonna bring you anywhere.

So once you’re meeting people, your first investment paid off. What’s next? How you’re gonna attract people & at least hold a decent conversation? Again, invest in yourself first - personal grooming, skills, knowledge & experience. Thus having a good skill, info & look presentable is important to keep people interested in you.

So once you’re sociable & networking well, keep it up. Continue “meeting up” the high potential individuals more regularly. You wanna socialize with “atas” people, don’t you need you need to “yumcha” in atas or at least slightly above average places? So this cost money too. This is when your lifestyle will grow more expensive as your income grow too. Getting golf club membership, go golfing with CEOs or having access to VIP places, exclusive passes/invites etc etc.

Just start off with free events/function first & work on your basics. As you go along, things will make sense by itself. Most importantly, be sincere & enjoy what you’re doing.