How to Retire Sooner: The Rule of 55, 4% Rule, Roth Conversions, and the Keys to a Happier Retirement

What does it really take to retire sooner and enjoy the years you’ve worked so hard for? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase tackle listener questions about retirement planning, investing, taxes, retirement income, and the pursuit of a happier life after work. ·       Examine the idea of building a retirement life map around what matters most to you. ·       Discover what Aristotle can teach us about retirement happiness, purpose, and fulfillment. ·       Confront spending anxiety and why letting yourself enjoy your savings can be surprisingly difficult. ·       Consider when it might be time for a change of scenery—and what a move may mean for your finances. ·       Compare **cost-of-living **calculators when sizing up potential retirement destinations. ·       Analyze strategies for untangling concentrated stock positions, diversification, and the potential tax tradeoffs. ·       Explore the Rule of 55 and when it may provide penalty-free access to certain 401(k) funds. ·       Experience the Retire Sooner Method, from the Money & Happiness Green Zones and Core Pursuits to relationships and sleep. ·       Break down the 4% rule of thumb, withdrawal rates, and the fear of running out of money. ·       Weigh a HELOC versus IRA withdrawal while considering taxes and potential Roth conversions. ·       Walk through listener scenarios involving retirement readiness, withdrawal strategies, and investment allocation. Retirement is about more than hitting a number—it’s also about figuring out what you want those years to look like. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about the money and life behind a happier retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices