How Much Is “Enough” To Retire Early?

Here’s how to make work optional.

“Recreational employment” means you only work if you want to. In this episode, Ari Taublieb, CFP® walks through the numbers to find your work-optional point—what it really takes to retire on your terms.

Let's map your core spending, travel budget, healthcare costs, mortgage timeline, and taxes—then layer in retirement income like Social Security and 401(k)/IRA withdrawals. Real inputs. Real trade-offs.

We test the levers you control: retire earlier or later, spend a little less or a little more, pay off the mortgage vs. invest, adjust portfolio risk, or pick a different Social Security strategy. Small changes can move the needle fast.

You’ll see how to turn a fuzzy “number” into a year-by-year cash-flow plan. What’s funded by investments, what’s covered by guaranteed income, and what happens if life shifts.

If you’re in your 50s or 60s and wondering “How much do I need to retire?” or “Could I work part-time by choice?”, this walkthrough is for you.

Interested in a custom strategy to retire early?
→ https://www.rootfinancial.com/start-h...

Get access to the same software I use in my videos and join the Early Retirement Academy here → https://ari-taublieb.mykajabi.com/ear...
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Time Stamps

00:00 - Recreational Employment
01:38 - Couple in their 60s
02:23 - Adjust Your Retirement Goal
09:48 - Final Thoughts and Disclaimer

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PODCAST - https://earlyretirementpodcast.com/
INSTAGRAM -   / earlyretirementari  
LINKEDIN -   / aritaublieb  

What video topic would you like to see discussed in a future video?

Ari Taublieb, CFP®, MBA, is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners (Fiduciary) and host of the Early Retirement Podcast.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

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Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.