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029 | Can I Retire With Less Than a Million Dollars?
Episode Summary:
You’ve heard the rule of thumb: “You’ll need at least $1 million to retire.” But what if that’s not your reality? In today’s episode, Melissa Moss, CFP® and founder of the Truly Rich Life Project, breaks down why that number might be more myth than mandate.
Melissa explores the emotional and practical realities behind retirement readiness—especially if you don’t have a seven-figure portfolio. With empathy and clarity, she explains how real people can retire with less than a million dollars through thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and maximizing available resources like Social Security.
You’ll hear:
💡 Why "your number" is unique—and how lifestyle, not just savings, determines retirement success
💰 How a real client retired early with just under $1 million invested
🧠 The importance of adjusting expectations and defining what a meaningful retirement looks like
🔎 A breakdown of how Social Security works (and how to make the most of it)
🧾 A word of caution for entrepreneurs who deduct heavily and how it affects future benefits
🌼 Creative ways to generate income in retirement—think: flower shops, lawn mowing, or hobby jobs
🚨 The risk of not having a plan: “If you don’t have a plan for your money to outlive you, you might outlive your money.”
Whether you’re behind on saving, self-employed, or simply wondering how much is really enough, this episode is packed with reassurance, insight, and inspiration.
Resources & Links:
📬 Get Melissa’s newsletter for more intentional money tips: melissamoss.co/newsletter
☕ Book a free virtual coffee chat: melissamoss.co/coffee
📩 Contact Melissa directly: [email protected]
Stay Connected:
👍 If this episode spoke to you, please leave a review—it helps more people discover stories that inspire a truly rich life.
📲 Subscribe or follow for weekly episodes on building a life of purpose, freedom, and connection.
📤 Know someone navigating retirement or questioning their “number”? Share this episode—it could change their life.
Legal Disclosure:
Melissa Moss is a registered representative with securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions expressed in this episode are for general informational purposes only and not intended to provide personalized advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
View all episodes
By Melissa Moss, CFP®Episode Summary:
You’ve heard the rule of thumb: “You’ll need at least $1 million to retire.” But what if that’s not your reality? In today’s episode, Melissa Moss, CFP® and founder of the Truly Rich Life Project, breaks down why that number might be more myth than mandate.
Melissa explores the emotional and practical realities behind retirement readiness—especially if you don’t have a seven-figure portfolio. With empathy and clarity, she explains how real people can retire with less than a million dollars through thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and maximizing available resources like Social Security.
You’ll hear:
💡 Why "your number" is unique—and how lifestyle, not just savings, determines retirement success
💰 How a real client retired early with just under $1 million invested
🧠 The importance of adjusting expectations and defining what a meaningful retirement looks like
🔎 A breakdown of how Social Security works (and how to make the most of it)
🧾 A word of caution for entrepreneurs who deduct heavily and how it affects future benefits
🌼 Creative ways to generate income in retirement—think: flower shops, lawn mowing, or hobby jobs
🚨 The risk of not having a plan: “If you don’t have a plan for your money to outlive you, you might outlive your money.”
Whether you’re behind on saving, self-employed, or simply wondering how much is really enough, this episode is packed with reassurance, insight, and inspiration.
Resources & Links:
📬 Get Melissa’s newsletter for more intentional money tips: melissamoss.co/newsletter
☕ Book a free virtual coffee chat: melissamoss.co/coffee
📩 Contact Melissa directly: [email protected]
Stay Connected:
👍 If this episode spoke to you, please leave a review—it helps more people discover stories that inspire a truly rich life.
📲 Subscribe or follow for weekly episodes on building a life of purpose, freedom, and connection.
📤 Know someone navigating retirement or questioning their “number”? Share this episode—it could change their life.
Legal Disclosure:
Melissa Moss is a registered representative with securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions expressed in this episode are for general informational purposes only and not intended to provide personalized advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.