Chapter 4 — Rethinking “The Number” and Other Myths

1. The Myth of the Retirement Number

• Why it’s too lofty for most people
• How it scares people into paralysis
• Why it’s the wrong metric

2. What Actually Matters

• Cash flow
• Flexibility
• Spending awareness
• Sustainable income sources

3. Fear Is the Enemy

• How the industry uses fear
• Why complexity keeps people stuck
• How clarity breaks the cycle

4. Money Is Navigation, Not Prediction

• You don’t need to know the future
• You need direction and course correction
• The stars metaphor: guidance, not certainty

5. Key Takeaways

• You don’t need a giant number
• You need a simple, adaptable plan
• You can retire on an average salary

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