How much is enough?

How much is enough? At what point do we have enough money to retire?

It’s a simple question, but the answer varies widely. Some people live comfortably on New Zealand Super and feel they want for nothing. Others want to maintain a lifestyle closer to what they experienced during their working years. Neither is right or wrong - but they lead to very different outcomes.

The real challenge is not the number itself. It’s the uncertainty around it.

Without a framework, “enough” becomes a moving target. It can lead to over-saving and missing out on life today, or under-planning and worrying about tomorrow.

A more useful way to think about this is to start with income, not capital.

If a household earns $100,000, their spending in retirement is unlikely to look the same. Mortgages may be gone, children independent. But the lifestyle often remains important. A common starting point is around 70% of current income - in this case, $70,000 per year.

From there, the question becomes: what level of capital is required to support that income over time?

That is where a financial plan becomes valuable. It puts structure around what is otherwise just a guess. It connects today’s position with future needs and provides a clearer sense of direction.

Importantly, the number itself is not fixed. It will evolve as circumstances, markets, and priorities change. But having a starting point - grounded in your own lifestyle - is what creates confidence.

 Because in the end, “enough” is not about reaching a perfect number. It’s about having clarity around what you need, and confidence that you are on track.