There’s really only one way to reach the level of success most people say they want, and it’s not about working until 65. It’s about having a plan to retire early. Not as a finish line, but as a mindset.

Early retirement means your money is working for you, giving you the ability to choose how you spend your time instead of waiting for an arbitrary age when you’re “supposed” to stop working. In this video, James walks through a real case study to show how this mindset changes everything — from cash flow and withdrawal rates to how much of life you actually get to enjoy while your health and energy are still there.

Watch as James breaks down how retirement cash flows work, how living expenses, healthcare, goals, and taxes all interact, and how much needs to come from a portfolio each year to support the life you want. The numbers tell a powerful story: staying on the traditional path leads to dying with far more money than needed, while retiring earlier trades excess dollars for time, freedom, and experiences.

The truth is not that you should quit working, it’s that everyone should know when they could. When you understand your early retirement number, work becomes optional, saving eventually stops being necessary, and money can start being used for living, not just growing.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

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Many people retire with enough money — and still feel lost.

James explains why financial readiness alone doesn’t guarantee a fulfilling retirement, and why some of the most financially prepared retirees struggle once work ends. Through a real-life example, he shows how retirement can solve a money problem while leaving a life problem untouched.

The episode explores the hidden challenges that often surprise retirees: losing identity, too much unstructured time, and strained relationships when expectations don’t align. These risks aren’t captured by retirement software, but they shape how retirement actually feels day to day.

The takeaway is simple and powerful: before asking “Can I retire?”, it’s worth asking “Will I like the life I’m building?”
Money matters — but it’s meant to support a meaningful life, not define it.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Most retirees who make this mistake aren’t reckless. They’re careful. They’re doing what they believe is responsible, and that’s what makes it so painful to see when it backfires.

James explains why the same portfolio mistake is showing up more than ever, whether someone has managed their own investments for decades or relied on professional advice. Different paths, same outcome: a portfolio that isn’t built around how money is actually used in retirement.

With people living longer, retiring earlier, and markets remaining volatile, overly simplified portfolio advice has become a real risk. Through two real case studies, James shows how sticking with what worked during accumulation can expose retirees to sequence-of-returns risk, while default “safe” portfolios can quietly limit flexibility and opportunity when they’re not tied to actual cash-flow needs.

The takeaway is clear: retirement success doesn’t come from being aggressive or conservative. It comes from alignment. When spending, timing, guaranteed income, and risk are understood first, portfolios can be built intentionally — using growth and protection as tools, not templates.

The real risk in retirement isn’t volatility. It’s mismatch.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!