Tapping Investments Early: Goldmine or Landmine

In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, Pete, Dame, and Kristen tackle a listener’s question about using a taxable brokerage account to supplement income before retirement. A high-earning couple with no debt and significant savings wonders if they should ease off their high-paying IT jobs and start tapping their investments. Pete isn’t buying it—he challenges whether they’re taking the easy way out rather than making a sustainable career shift. The conversation dives into financial independence, the psychology of wealth-building, and why having enough money doesn’t always mean you should start using it. Is this couple making a smart move, or are they jeopardizing their long-term financial security? Plus, Pete shares insights from his son’s personal finance class, unexpected thoughts on hugging etiquette, and an inside look at changes coming to the show.