How Much Do You Need to Retire? (It Depends on the Life You Want)

Let’s ditch the fear-based financial advice for a minute.

Not everyone wants a beachfront condo, a golf membership, or to RV across the country. Some of us just want to wake up without an alarm, drink coffee on the porch, and not worry about running out of money before the month ends.

So, how much do you need to retire?

The honest answer: It depends.

Let’s build a version of retirement that’s not based on someone else’s expectations—but on your values, your dreams, and your life.

First, Let’s Redefine Retirement

Retirement used to mean:

• Quitting work forever at 65
• Getting a pension or Social Security
• Living off whatever was in your savings

But now?

Retirement is a flexible season. For some, it’s semi-retirement at 55. For others, it’s a second career. For many of us, it’s just financial flexibility—where you get to work because you want to, not because you have to.

So before we chase a big number, let’s ask:

• What does your ideal day in retirement look like?
• How much do you want to travel, relax, or still contribute?
• Do you plan to stay where you are—or move somewhere cheaper?

Answering these helps reverse-engineer your number from your life, not from fear.

The “Magic Number” Is Personal

Instead of obsessing over whether you need $500k, $1M, or $2M, let’s look at a different approach:

Start by calculating how much you want or need to spend each month in retirement.

Let’s say you want to live on $3,500/month. That’s $42,000/year.

Next, subtract any guaranteed income you expect:

• Social Security: maybe $1,500/month
• Pension or rental income: another $500/month
• Part-time work or side hustle: $500/month

That’s $2,500/month already covered.

Now you only need your savings to cover the remaining $1,000/month—or $12,000/year.

Using the 4% rule (where you withdraw 4% annually from your retirement savings), you’d need:

👉 $12,000 x 25 = $300,000

See how that’s very different from the blanket “you need a million dollars” narrative?

What’s the 4% Rule and Does It Still Work?

The 4% rule was developed in the 1990s as a guideline to help retirees avoid running out of money. It assumes that you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement savings each year, adjusted for inflation, and make your money last for 30 years.

But life expectancy is increasing. Market returns fluctuate. Healthcare costs are rising.

So is the 4% rule still safe?

Here’s a balanced approach:

• Use it as a starting point, not a fixed rule.
• If you’re retiring early or want a more conservative plan, use 3% instead.
• If you expect lower living costs or supplemental income, 4–5% may work just fine.

Remember, planning for retirement is about adjusting as you go—not having it all figured out now.

What If You Want to Work Part-Time in Retirement?

You're allowed to mix work and rest.

Many people in midlife are redefining retirement by building flexible income streams—consulting, freelancing, affiliate marketing, or even seasonal work they enjoy.

If you’re still building your savings, consider starting something small now. That way, when you retire, you’re not scrambling for income—you’re simply scaling what you’ve already created.

Tools That Make Retirement Planning Easier

You don’t need to do this all in your head (or on the back of an envelope).

📘 Start with my 7 Money Rules Free Guide. It’ll help you:

• Understand foundational money habits
• Shift from financial survival mode into planning mode
• Take the pressure off with small, doable steps

If you want to track savings, debt, budgeting, and retirement goals in one place, grab the Financial Planner Bundle ($47). It includes printable trackers for:

• Monthly budgeting
• Debt payoff
• Retirement contributions
• Savings growth
• And more

It’s not about perfection. It’s about direction.

Retirement Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

Let’s clear something up:

You don’t need a six-figure salary or a financial advisor on speed dial to retire well. You just need:

• A plan
• Clarity on your numbers
• A system that works for your real life

Even if you’re starting later than you hoped—it’s okay.

You’re not behind. You’re just starting now.

Learn the Money System That Was Never Taught

Most of us weren’t raised with financial literacy—we were just told to “save money” and “be responsible,” without being shown how or why.

The How Money Works free ebook overview breaks that cycle. It unpacks why financial education is the missing link in most people’s lives and how understanding money can open the door to confidence, freedom, and real wealth-building.

If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t made for you, this is your permission slip to finally learn how it does work—and how to make it work for you.

👉 Grab your copy here

Still Unsure? Let’s Talk It Through.

Sometimes you don’t need more information—you just need guidance.

👉 Click here to book your free 15-minute intro strategy call with me and my mentor Joy.

We’ll talk through:

• Where you’re at right now
• What you want your future to look like
• And whether a full financial strategy session is the right next step

There’s no pitch. No overwhelm. Just a real conversation about what’s possible for your life and money.

Build the Life You Actually Want

You don’t need to copy someone else’s version of retirement.

You don’t need to hit someone else’s number.

And you definitely don’t need to live in fear of never “having enough.”

You just need a clear vision for your life—and a strategy that helps you get there.

You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back.

📌 Download the 7 Money Rules Free Guide
📌 Grab the Financial Planner Bundle ($47)
📌 Read the How Money Works – Free Ebook Overview
📌 Book a Free 15-Minute Strategy Call with Me + Joy

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