How much money is enough money?

[cccdude]

How much money do you think you need to live comfortably?
How much do you think you would want to earn in one day?

[rolltimer]

That depends on the individual, his relationships--family or dependents, friends, co-workers & bosses, pets, hobbies and interests, goals for working, recreation, and retirement, ownership of home, auto, computer, and various other appliances and how much maintenance each subset requires. This maintenance includes all resources used such as time, money, knowledge and the trade-offs each provides.

For example, if one has the talent, drive, time and knowledge to perform basic auto maintenance such as oil changes then one can get by on somewhat less money for auto maintenance. If one does not own an auto, there would be zero resources spent on maintenance but perhaps there would be an increase in the amount of time spent on travel.

As for me personally, I find that I cannot set an exact amount of money that would be enough. I look to the future and wonder about my needs 10, 20 and more years down the road. I wonder about retirement, health changes, and new requirements for income to support those needs.

I would like to downsize my current needs so that more of my income can go into savings and investments. I'd also like to reduce my expectations for what I want for the future. No longer do I want the bigger house, more luxurious car. I want to be satisfied with what I have. I want contentment.

[cccdude]

My short term goal is $40-50K in monthly income. With at least 40% of that going towards a money market account which should shield my savings during inflation and so on.