We Retired on the Amount You Suggested …

Hi Scott

I read your ‘How much you really need for your retirement?’ column a few weeks ago, and I cut the article out and pinned it on my office wall at home. It made me feel amazing, and I breathed a sigh of relief. My husband and I retired with around the amount you mentioned in your column. Now, three years on, we are going well. We have been on a road trip to Darwin, and we enjoy the simple things like catching up with family and friends. Our cup is full. It’s not about what you have, but about who you have in your life. Thank you.

Lara

Hi Lara,

No, thank you! You’re living proof that the ‘million dollar myth’ is just that.

I got smashed with negative responses, but this one from Divya, a pre-retiree, made it all worthwhile:

“I am an immigrant from a poor background, and I used to feel paralysed and ashamed that I ‘have not made it’. That shame translated into me not taking productive action about my wealth. Yet I now realise that I’m actually doing well financially, maybe even very well, and that it’s worth respecting the efforts I’ve put in over the past 10 years, and taking care of what I’ve got! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Here’s to everyone working hard, saving hard, and nailing their realistic retirement number!

Scott.