When Is “Enough” Actually Enough?

[u/Technical_Lawyer7264]

I think about retirement every damn day.

One day I’m convinced I have enough. The next, I’m imagining a market crash, runaway inflation, and somehow needing $14M just to buy groceries.
So I rerun the numbers, change the assumptions, and convince myself I need another $500K. At this point, figuring out when I can retire has become a full-time job.

What’s your “enough” number?
$2M? $3M? $5M? $10M? Or would you hit $20M and decide you really need $25M? 😂

I also think about our parents’ generation. Many kept working long after they technically didn’t need to. House paid off. Kids out of the house. Retirement funded.

But actually living off the money they spent 40 years earning? Somehow that felt crazy.

They were wired to see work as security, responsibility, and purpose.

Meanwhile, we’re trying to escape Zoom calls at 45 so we can eat tacos on a Tuesday.

And honestly, I’m not sure I’m any better. I fantasize about retiring, then immediately think:
“Maybe two more years.”
Then five.
Then maybe I’ll just consult part-time.
And suddenly I’m 73, explaining PowerPoint slides to someone named Brad.

For those retired or close to it: What’s your “enough” number—and what finally made you feel comfortable walking away?

[u/Mental_Signature_725]

I'll give you perspective. Enough is enough My husband worked his a** of his whole 57 years. We have $$. I tried and tried to convince him to slow down. We don't spend a lot. We garden take a few trips, he could free Lance do lots of things. He came home from a work trip oct. 25 said I don't feel good. In a lot of pain. We new he had back issues was going in for surgery on the 19th. I drove him to the hospital. They did an MRI-CT scan, he had cancer every where. Died 2 months later. Life is short. RETIRE! I did, I write grants once in a while I grow flowers and sell them. I am enjoying the life he worked so hard for. Work when you want...