There's some good advice here. I am an example of some things not to do so here is what I suggest. Avoid spending on stupid stuff like BMW's Corvette's and big ticket items to impress others. Save and invest in solid places. Live below your income level and avoid as much debt as you can. Many people live in way more house then they need.
Consider a mini retirement. It involves getting into a financial position that would allow you to take a year or so off. Too many work all their lives with just a few weeks holiday per year. That's not a life, it's a prison sentence. I did manage to take a several 2 month holidays during the winter and head somewhere warm. We were able to go to Mexico for 3 months and live modestly for $5000.00 total cost. We did not treat it like a "vacation" but rather living in another country for 3 months. No fancy resort, drinks delivered to the pool and no dining out every night. It was a modest trip but still way better than working.
The other thing available to many people now a days is finding a way to work remotely via the internet and live anywhere you want. Perfect balance in my opinion.