In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Retire Early and Live Free: Find Your Enough Number Today!

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Billy and Akaisha relaxing in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Ditching the Billionaire Dream: Finding Your "Enough Number" for Early Retirement

The challenge was not realistic. No matter how hard or long we worked, we couldn't compete with Bill Gates' net worth. It just wasn't going to happen.

Once we got that fantasy out of the way, we asked ourselves: How much money is enough to retire? What size of nest egg do we need?

Obviously, this is a personal decision, and it's one that should be taken seriously.

When we first retired, the amount we required to live per year was determined to be $20,000 (in 1990 Dollars), and it needed to be generated from our financial holdings. But what amount of capital would do that for us? And how would we allocate that sum of money? Stocks? Bonds? CDs? Annuities?

How one invests his or her money is a question of risk management. Many years ago, we learned that we could be owners (equities) or lenders (bonds). Through business experience, we realized that we could make more money owning a business than lending money to one, though the risks are greater.

Working in the brokerage business demystified the stock market for us. We had owned stocks for years, so we decided to use equities for our portfolio. The fact that stocks have produced a compound annual growth rate of over 10% for the past 70 years made investing in equities a common-sense approach for us, as well as a risk we were willing to take.

Once we made this decision, the math was easy. For every $100,000 invested, approximately $10,000 in annual income could be produced. So, bare-bones, we could meet our goal on just $200,000 invested. But that's cutting things too closely, and it did not allow for inflation, emergencies, unexpected expenses, or market downturns. In fact, a much safer withdrawal rate is in the neighborhood of 4% a year. But we did discover that we were on the right track to achieve our financial freedom.

If stocks are too risky for you, and if you prefer CDs or bonds, the size of your nest egg will need to reflect your preference and the lower returns that it will generate. There is no "one size fits all." When it comes to your portfolio, you must be comfortable and confident with your personal risk tolerance.

Need to be a Millionaire? Try Vietnam

Do you ever have enough money?

When you reach the amount that allows you not to hold a job any longer, your life opens up. You might choose to work, but you no longer have to do so. When you reach this stage, the income generated from your financial holdings supports your base lifestyle expenditures.

Beyond the Basics: Finding Fulfillment in Life and Finances

Financial security is essential, but the pursuit of endless wealth can be a hollow victory. As the saying goes, "you can't take it with you." So, once your basic needs and responsible desires are met (comfortable living, gift-giving, emergency buffer), what truly matters? The real prize in life isn't the size of your bank account, but the richness of your experiences and the impact you make. So what we choose to do with our time and money is up to each one of us. How do you want to spend your money and time?

Discover Your "Enough" and Live Life to the Fullest

Defining your "enough" isn't just about a financial number – it's about aligning your resources with your values and aspirations. Ask yourself: What brings me joy and fulfillment? How can I use my time and money to create a meaningful life? What impact do I want to leave on the world? By shifting your focus from endless acquisition to mindful living and purposeful giving, you unlock the true treasures of life – a life filled with experiences, connections, and a lasting legacy.

Crafting Your Retirement Dream: Simple Living vs. Lavish Spending

Planning for retirement isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about defining your ideal lifestyle. Do you crave luxury travel and extravagant experiences, or is a simpler, meaningful life more appealing? Both paths are valid, but each requires different financial planning. Luxury Lifestyle: Higher expenses: Yachts, gourmet dining, and first-class travel require significant financial resources. If a simpler lifestyle appeals to you, then your number could be less than you think. It's a personal decision.

Experts suggest 25 times your current expenses as a starting point, but adjust based on your needs. Focus on sustainable investments such as VTI and DVY, and minimizing unnecessary expenses.

The "Enough Number" is Personal

The key to Financial Freedom isn't a one-size-fits-all number. It's about aligning your financial resources with your desired lifestyle. Calculate your realistic expenses, factor in inflation, and choose investment strategies that match your risk tolerance and goals. If you're confident that your portfolio can produce enough income to cover your expenses, plus inflation, we believe you're already there. It's really that simple.

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About the Authors

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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