Author: Route 2 FI
Compiled by: Luffy, Foresight News
If you have life-changing unrealized profits, take this from me: You need to sell them. This isn’t just advice, it’s a lesson I learned the hard way. Early in my career, I was hesitant to take profits, and I regretted every moment of hesitation. Nominal wealth may change over the course of our trading journey, but the fundamentals remain the same.
One thing I’ve come to understand is that by selling at a life-changing price, you gain a benefit that cannot be measured in monetary terms: a permanent improvement in your life and the lives of those around you. Imagine being able to click “sell” and instantly improve your life situation. It’s amazing! If you have the opportunity to do so, I highly recommend you take it.
I know how tempting it is to wait for the perfect selling opportunity: believing that if you just hold on a bit longer, you can make more profit. But the truth is: the perfect timing is just an illusion. The most successful traders I know didn't achieve their current success by perfectly timing every peak; they succeeded by consistently profiting and maintaining liquidity. They understood early on that converting to cash is a necessary condition for survival in this game.
One of my most open-minded realizations is that opportunities are always available. This mindset helps alleviate the fear of missing out that traders often feel when considering selling. Yes, letting go of a well-performing position can be unsettling, but remember: holding onto it out of FOMO will cost you more in the long run.
I often think about what achieving 'escape velocity' means: that your financial situation allows you to take planned risks without jeopardizing your stability. Once you reach that level, that's when you can really start playing the game and go all in.
How much is enough for retirement?
As someone who has been considering retirement, I often wonder: how much money is enough? Although the media often boasts that it takes an astronomical number, I believe that for many of us, $1 million to $2 million might be the best choice. Here's why, let's first look at the issue from a TradFi perspective.
In 2022, the average retirement account balance for those aged 65 or older was only $232,710. So suddenly having $1-2 million isn't that common, is it? In fact, only about 3.2% of retirees have savings exceeding $1 million.
Okay, I get it, the chances are slim that you reading this are over 65; you want to retire before 65. I was shocked when I first heard that Americans think they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably. But then I realized a crucial thing: this number is an average. Everyone's needs can vary greatly.
Let's consider the 4% rule, which is a common guideline for retirement planning. If you saved $2 million, you could withdraw $80,000 a year. For many people, this is enough to live a comfortable life. Your retirement needs largely depend on the lifestyle you want. Do you plan to travel the world, or are you content with simpler pleasures? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual expenditure for individuals aged 65 and older was $52,141 in 2021. Savings of $1-2 million can easily cover this expense.
Choosing where to live after retirement can greatly affect your wealth usage. A retirement fund of $1 million may feel tight in New York City but can provide a luxurious lifestyle in a small town or abroad.
Psychological factors
Knowing that you have $1-2 million in savings can alleviate a lot of financial pressure and allow you to truly enjoy retirement.
Ultimately, whether $1-2 million is enough to retire depends on your personal situation. For many of us, it’s not just enough money; it’s more than we dreamed of. The key is to start saving early, live within your means, and focus on the things that truly bring joy to your life. Remember, retirement is not just about money; it's about creating a life you love, regardless of whether you have millions in the bank.
I understand what Fiskantes said above. Once you've saved life-changing money in the bank or invested in real estate, you can easily participate in the market.
What do I mean by 'easier'? Well, I'm not saying it's easier to make money; I'm saying your mindset is more relaxed. You can make better decisions calmly, allowing trades to come to you. And even if you lose, you won't lose everything because you already have a safety net.
As Fiskantes said: 'The real fun starts here.' In this sense, this cycle is more interesting for me. If everything goes to zero, at least I have a safe fallback. That said, some people work better under more pressure, but I think that's not true for most.