Author: Route 2 FI

Compiled by: Luffy, Foresight News

If you have life-changing unrealized profits, listen to me: you need to sell it. This is not just a suggestion; it's a lesson I've learned from painful experiences. Early in my career, I hesitated to take profits, and I regretted every moment of indecision. Nominal wealth may fluctuate throughout our trading journey, but the fundamentals remain the same.

One thing I gradually came to understand is that selling when it can change your life gives you a benefit that cannot be measured in money: a permanent improvement in your life and the lives of those around you. Imagine being able to click 'sell' and immediately improve your situation. It's wonderful! If you have such an opportunity, I strongly recommend you seize it.

I know how tempting it is to wait for the best selling opportunity: believing that if you just hold on a little longer, you'll make more profit. But the fact is: the perfect timing is just an illusion. The most successful traders I know didn't achieve their success by perfectly timing every peak; they succeeded by consistently profiting and maintaining liquidity. They understood early on that selling for cash is a necessary condition for survival in this game.

One of the most liberating realizations I've had is that there are always opportunities. 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 hard, but remember: holding onto it out of FOMO can cost you more in the long run.

I often think about what reaching 'escape velocity' means: that your financial situation allows you to take planned risks without jeopardizing your life stability. Once you reach that level, that's when you can truly start playing the game and go all in.

How much is enough to retire?

As someone who has always been considering retirement, I often wonder: how much is enough? Although the media often boasts that it takes an astronomical amount, I believe for many of us, $1 million to $2 million may be the best choice. Here’s why; let’s first look at this issue from a TradFi perspective.

In 2022, the average retirement account balance for people aged 65 and older was only $232,710. So, suddenly having $1-2 million is not that uncommon, 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 article, are over 65, as you probably want to retire before that age. I was shocked when I first heard that Americans believe they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably. But then I realized one crucial thing: that number is an average. Everyone’s needs can vary significantly.

Let's consider the 4% rule, which is a common guideline for retirement planning. If you have saved $2 million, you can withdraw $80,000 a year. For many people, that's enough to live comfortably. Your retirement needs largely depend on the lifestyle you want. Are you planning to travel the world, or are you content with simpler pleasures? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual expenditure for people aged 65 and older in 2021 was $52,141. Savings of $1-2 million can easily cover this cost.

Choosing where to live after retirement can greatly affect how you use your wealth. A $1 million retirement fund may feel tight in New York City but can provide a luxurious lifestyle in a small town or abroad.

Psychological Factors

Knowing you have $1-2 million in savings can relieve a lot of financial pressure and allow you to truly enjoy retirement.

Ultimately, whether $1-2 million is enough for retirement depends on your personal situation. For many of us, it's not just enough money; it’s more than we dream 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 isn’t just about money; it’s about creating a life you love, whether or not there are 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 engage in the market.

What do I mean by being relaxed? Well, I’m not saying it’s easier to make money; I mean your mindset is more relaxed. You can make better decisions calmly and let the trades come to you. And even if you lose, you won't lose everything because you have a safety net.

As Fiskantes said, "The real fun starts here." In that sense, this cycle is more interesting to me. If everything goes to zero, at least I still have a safety net. That said, some people work more efficiently under pressure, but I don't think that's true for most.