You could say "I am far from having enough money for a new phone." or "I am close to having enough money for a new phone." To me, "a distance from having" is not typical, but it is possible.

Really good question! If I use "assume", I am more certain that you have finished it. I think you have finished it. If I use "suppose", I am less certain that you have finished it. I think you have finished it but I am not certain.

These are great sentences and in general they are correct. I will say one thing... In the examples, you use the past simple (weren't proud of/were ashamed of/regretted). If now you are still not proud/are ashamed/regret, then use the present simple to show you continue to feel this way. Examples: We have all done things we weren't proud of (in the past, we were not proud) We have all done things we aren't proud of (and we continue today to not be proud)

To answer your questions: 1. Yes 2a. Yes, it is a shorter version and yes both are correct. 2b. No, it is not literally talking about distance. 2c. "One blow from caving in" means that if the house of cards receives one more blow, then it will cave in (collapse). We can use "from" or "away from" to say that if one more thing happens, then some other thing will happen. Examples: a. I need to pass seven exams to get my university degree. I have passed six exams. >> I am one exam (away) from receiving my university degree. b. I have $90. I want to buy a new mobile phone for $100. >> I am $10 (away) from having enough money for a new phone. NOTE: the form is: away from or from + gerund (not infinitive). I hope this has helped you!