What does it really take to retire confidently—and stay retired? In this episode of The Truly Rich Life Project, Melissa Moss, CFP®, shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she helps real clients (names changed!) figure out their “magic number”—the amount they’ll need in investments to step away from work for good.

Meet Ross and Rachel, both 57, who want to retire in 10 years with enough to travel, enjoy life, and leave a legacy for their three adult sons. Melissa walks us through the exact steps she takes to calculate what they’ll need—and why it's not just about hitting a random number.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why Social Security timing matters

✅ How inflation and taxes affect your retirement income

✅ The importance of cash reserves and planning for big life events (like weddings!)

✅ How to estimate your own investment needs for a work-optional life

Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to plan, this episode offers a practical, approachable framework to help you think about your own “number”—and what it’ll take to get there.

🔗 Resources & Links:

💬 Book a virtual coffee chat with Melissa: https://melissamoss.co/coffee/

📬 Join the newsletter for more intentional money tips: melissamoss.co/newsletter

If this episode sparked a new thought or gave you clarity on your path to financial freedom, please share it with someone who’s building a beautiful life too. ✨