I understand where you're coming from, but there's a fine distinction. Most never wind up testing their safety net. In my mind, the real benefit is the risk t

I understand where you're coming from, but there's a fine distinction. Most never wind up testing their safety net. In my mind, the real benefit is the risk tolerance you develop knowing you have one as a young adult. When you don't that drive for safety can leave one with a very risk adverse mindset. So yeah, you can be FI at 40, but that won't magically change the temperament that got you there.