How much do you really need to retire?
Spoiler: there’s no “magic number.” In this episode we unpack why your retirement target depends on your lifestyle, spending, longevity, inflation, investment mix, taxes, and how you turn savings into income. We walk through practical frameworks you can use today—without cookie-cutter rules—so you can retire with confidence and keep adapting as life changes.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why “$1M vs. $5M” is the wrong question—and what to ask instead
- How to separate fixed expenses (housing, insurance, Medicare premiums) from discretionary (travel, dining, hobbies)
- The three retirement phases: Go-Go, Slow-Go, No-Go—and how spending typically shifts
- What the 4% rule does (and doesn’t) assume, plus dynamic withdrawal strategies tied to market conditions
- Balancing guaranteed income (Social Security, pensions, annuities) with market-based income (IRAs, 401(k)s, brokerage)
- Inflation’s “silent” impact and why portfolio rebalancing matters when taking withdrawals
- Smart tax planning across the three tax buckets (taxable, tax-deferred, tax-free) for more flexible, efficient income
- Social Security timing: longevity, COLA effects, earning-year tradeoffs, and why “it depends” is the honest answer
- Medicare & IRMAA basics, budgeting for healthcare/long-term care, and why we love HSAs (triple-tax advantage)
- The often-overlooked piece: being emotionally ready to shift from saving to spending
Who this is for
Pre-retirees, early retirees, and anyone wondering, “Will my money last?”
Takeaway
Ditch the one-size-fits-all target. Build a plan around cash-flow needs, realistic spending, inflation, taxes, and adjustable withdrawals—then revisit it regularly.
Resources mentioned
- Fixed vs. discretionary spending worksheet (create your own or ask your advisor)
- HSA & Medicare/IRMAA guidelines (check the latest thresholds)
- Portfolio rebalancing & withdrawal policy statement (keep it written!)
If this helped, follow/subscribe and share the episode. Got a question you want us to cover next? Send it in and we’ll add it to the queue!
Disclaimer: This conversation is for educational purposes only and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
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