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🦢The Magic of Finding Your SWAN Number


What’s Poppin’,

This is Master Money, the newsletter that makes personal finance feel as satisfying as finding a $20 bill in your old jeans.

Here’s what we have on deck today:

📗 Read: The Magic of Finding Your SWAN Number

🎙️ Listen: The Step-By-Step Guide to Self-Funding Your Retirement!

🦢The Magic of Finding Your SWAN Number

Let's talk about what I call your SWAN number, the "Sleep Well At Night" number, the key to financial peace of mind.

Your SWAN number is more than just a figure; it's a personal financial goal that represents the amount of money you need to have set aside to feel secure and worry-free. It’s the amount that lets you rest easy, knowing you can handle life's ups and downs without breaking a sweat.

Now, how do we find this magical number? Let's start with the SWAN number for your emergency fund. This is the cushion that softens the blow of unexpected expenses—like a surprise car repair or a sudden job loss. To calculate it, you first determine your essential monthly expenses: rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, and other necessities. This is your base level, the absolute minimum you need to get by each month.

Start by saving one month's worth, then work your way up to three months, and eventually aim for six months. Each milestone you reach gives you more security, and that sweet, sweet peace of mind grows with it. By the time you've hit six months of expenses saved, you can confidently say you’ve found your emergency fund SWAN number. This means you're well-prepared for life's little (and big) surprises.

Next, let's dive into the SWAN number for retirement. This one is all about ensuring your future self can enjoy life without worrying about money. Imagine your ideal retirement—relaxing on a beach, exploring new hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones. To find your retirement SWAN number, estimate your annual expenses in retirement and multiply that by 25.

This classic rule of thumb assumes a safe withdrawal rate of 4%, meaning you can sustainably draw down your investments without depleting them too quickly. But don't stop there; your SWAN number should also reflect your dreams and aspirations. Want to travel the world or start a small business?

Factor those into your calculations to ensure your retirement savings will cover not just your needs but also your wants.

In essence, the SWAN number is a personalized financial goal that lets you breathe easy, knowing you're covered for both the present and the future. It's not just about having enough money; it's about having enough confidence in your financial situation to sleep soundly at night.

So, take the time to figure out your SWAN number, both for your emergency fund and your retirement. Because when you've got that number nailed down, you'll be able to rest easy, knowing you're prepared for whatever comes your way. And isn't that the true magic of financial peace?

📈 Chart of the Week


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👍 Money Finds

Beware of Retirement Savings Scams 🚨💸

The New York Times warns about the increasing prevalence of scams targeting retirement savings. The article sheds light on common fraudulent tactics and provides essential tips for seniors and investors on how to safeguard their hard-earned funds against these deceptive practices.

Debunking Lifestyle Creep 📈🛍️

Of Dollars and Data challenges the common belief in lifestyle creep, arguing that it's mostly a myth. This insightful piece examines spending habits and financial decisions, suggesting that increases in spending are often deliberate choices rather than unconscious slips, thereby offering a fresh perspective on managing personal finances.

Preparing Financial Paperwork for Heirs 📂🔖

Kiplinger provides a guide on how to organize and prepare financial paperwork for heirs. It covers essential steps to ensure that your financial legacy is well-documented and easily accessible, reducing stress and complications for loved ones during the estate settlement process.

🎉 DEALS Finds THIS WEEK

🍩 I've really been enjoying Slick Deals lately. It's an awesome place to check for current dining deals before you head out to eat.

🍎 Amazon is offering $10 off on select back-to-school items when you spend $50. Always price match on this stuff.

✈️ Score a major deal at BJ's Wholesale with a $500 Southwest e-gift card for only $429.99. This significant discount is one of the best you'll find on Southwest gift cardsIf you are looking to travel it is a great deal.

P.S. You can check out all of my favorite credit cards here.

High-Performance Book Club 📚

I get a ton of questions from listeners and readers as to what I am reading. So we decided to let you know via the newsletter. The High-Performance Book Club will be a way to share this. If you want to be Elite in your career, business, or with your wealth, then welcome to the club. If you would like to see our previous picks, you can find them here.

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

The Personal Finance Podcast 🎙️

Should I invest my Cash and Take Out Student Loans?!- Money Q&A

The Step-By-Step Guide to Self-Funding Your Retirement!

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Master Money

I teach you how to master your money in less than 5 minutes per week. I am the host of The Personal Finance Podcast with 400K downloads monthly and the Founder of Master Money.

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