Maria, 26, has built a net worth roughly 10 times her annual spending but worries she's becoming unemployable because she's no longer motivated by money. She does not want to work on someone else's schedule and wants to choose her own projects. She fears employers will simply hire workers who need the income instead.
The host counters that Maria's savings give her exactly the kind of freedom that makes her valuable to hire. The advice offered: the money you've saved buys you freedom to do work worth your time.
Matt from Utah asks about target date funds. He's heard Joe criticize them repeatedly but notes that respected voices like YouTuber Rob Berger, Bogleheads leader John Luskin, and financial advisor Peter Lazaroff invest most or all of their money in target date or all-in-one funds and speak positively about them.
Lucas, 35, and his wife, also 35, earn roughly $375,000 annually combined in IT consulting. They have two young children, including a daughter with special needs who will likely need lifelong support. They spend about $110,000 per year now but expect that to rise to $130,000 starting in 2027 as daycare costs increase. They've paid off their mortgage and save $5,000 to $6,000 per month into taxable brokerage accounts. They have over $840,000 across 401(k)s and IRAs and plan to have 12 months of necessary expenses in cash reserves.
Lucas is considering a switch to financial planning around late summer 2027. He expects his income to drop roughly 60%, bringing household income to around $250,000 just as expenses peak. He's completed a financial planning externship, is studying for his Series 65, and has networked with local CFPs. The host and co-host agree: Lucas's savings buy him the freedom to make the career move despite the timing.