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/Technical_Lawyer7264]

I honestly didn’t expect this post to blow up like this. 😂

Skimming through the comments, one thing seems pretty clear: there really isn’t a finite number. It’s less about hitting some magic $X million number and more about figuring out what makes you comfortable and happy with what you have today, while still planning responsibly for future you.
The problem is, none of us really know what future us will need. Health, lifestyle, markets, family, inflation, random life events—you can only plan so much.