Sick and Tired of Working? Do This!
- David Haseldine
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
Had enough of the daily grind? Do you dream of tossing your alarm clock and never sitting through another Zoom meeting? If the idea of working until you’re too old to enjoy life makes you shudder, here’s some good news.....and a plan.
Before you quit your job to live in a caravan by the coast, let’s talk about how to actually retire in style without needing to win Powerball. You don’t have to be a financial genius. You just need a few smart strategies and solid habits to fast-track your retirement and start living the good life.
Step One: Find Your Magic Number
Everyone has a magic number for retirement. It’s the amount you’ll need to live comfortably once the pay checks stop. A simple rule of thumb is to plan for 70–80% of your current income each year. Work backwards from there to figure out what you need to save.
Think of it like planning a holiday, only this one lasts for decades.
Step Two: Forget Unicorns and Rainbows
Don’t chase “get rich quick” schemes or high-risk investments that promise the world. They usually vanish faster than your patience on a Friday afternoon.
Instead, stick with steady, proven options like ETFs, deposits, or diversified managed funds, and make the most of Super rules. They might seem boring, but they’re far more likely to get you where you want to go and you’ll sleep better too.
Step Three: Get a Financial Wingman
You wouldn’t cut your own hair or service your own car, so why try to DIY your retirement plan? A great financial planner helps you see the big picture and create a realistic plan. They’ll know your goals, habits, and spending patterns, and can help you make smarter choices that could mean retiring at 65 instead of 85.
Step Four: Build a Murphy Fund
Anything that can go wrong will and usually at the worst time. A Murphy Fund (your emergency stash) keeps life’s surprises from derailing your plans.
Aim for six months of living expenses. It’ll protect you from unexpected costs and can even save money on your income protection premiums by letting you choose a longer waiting period.
Step Five: Spend Smart, Not Less
Forget strict budgets. Try the Smart Money System™ just two bank accounts. Your income goes into one; once a month, transfer a set amount to your spending account.
If you want to save $20,000 a year, simply spend less than you earn and let the difference build up in your income account. No guilt, no spreadsheets, just clarity and control.
Step Six: Start Living Like You’re Retired
You don’t have to wait to enjoy life. Start adding a few “retirement moments” now! More time with family, hobbies, or short trips. The goal is to enjoy life today while preparing for tomorrow.
The Bottom Line
Retiring early, or even on time, isn’t just for the lucky few. It’s for anyone who’s willing to plan, save, and stick to a simple system.
Simplify your finances, build your buffer, and work with a trusted advisor. Before long, you’ll be sipping piña coladas on the beach, or curled up with a good book, knowing you’ve earned every minute of it.