How to Build the Stage for a Rocking Retirement

Your Retirement Foundation

Retirement used to feel far away. Our parents worried about it while we were busy making mixtapes. We were learning to use dial-up and raising kids. But here we are, Gen X. The next phase of our lives is coming fast, and if you’re like me, the financial pressure is real. Rocking retirement requires a firm financial foundation

Retirement planning isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. It’s about rocking this next chapter with freedom, purpose, and joy. Before we can enjoy the concert, we need to build the stage. That means starting with a solid financial foundation.

Where Do We Begin Planning this Rockstar Retirement?

Let’s break down what we are really dealing with. Let’s explore how we can each take our first steps toward a secure (and fun) retirement.

The Magic Number: $1.26 Million

According to the “experts,” Gen X needs roughly $1.26 million saved to retire comfortably. When I first read that number, I almost spit out my coffee. Like many of you, I am not there yet. In fact, if I am honest, I am woefully behind. But instead of panicking, I decided to face the facts and figure out what that number really means.

The estimate is based on something called the 4% Rule. In simple terms, it means you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually without running out of money. So, if you have saved $1 million, that gives you $40,000 per year, or $3,333 per month, to live on.

The $5,000/Month Reality

According to national averages, retirees spend around $5,000 per month. Here is where it typically goes:

-Housing: Mortgage, rent, utilities, maintenance

-Healthcare: Premiums, out-of-pocket costs, prescriptions

-Food: Groceries, dining out, special dietary needs

-Transportation: Car payment, gas, insurance, maintenance

Suddenly, $3,333 per month does not feel like enough to breathe easy. And unfortunately, Social Security is not going to fill the gap.

What About Social Security?

The average monthly Social Security check is around $2,007. That is helpful, but not enough to rock retirement like Gen X deserves! We spend $5,000 a month. Therefore, we need to come up with an extra $3,000. That is $750 per week.

This is where it gets personal. This is not just a math problem—it is a lifestyle question. What kind of retirement do you want? And what do you need to do now to get there?

Get Real with Your Numbers

Take a deep breath and look at your current finances. What do you have saved? What are your debts? What does your current budget look like?

Then ask yourself:

-What would I like to spend in retirement?

-What is my realistic Social Security estimate?

-How much more will I need each month?

-How many years do I have to close the gap?

There are plenty of retirement calculators out there, but even a basic spreadsheet will do. The goal is clarity: knowing where you stand gives you power. From there, you can build a personalized plan.

Visualize Your Rocking Retirement

Numbers are important, but so is vision. What does rocking retirement mean to you?

-Traveling the country in an RV?

-Moving to a quiet beach town?

-Starting a small business?

-Volunteering or mentoring?

-Watching the grandkids?

Once you know what you want your retirement to look like, you can determine the cost. Then, you can work backward from there.

For example, if your dream includes international travel twice a year, you will need a bigger budget. This is in contrast with planning to garden and host neighborhood BBQs, which requires a smaller budget. The good news? When you align your financial goals with your desired lifestyle, decisions become easier to make.

Laying the Groundwork: Where Will the Extra Income Come From?

Now that you know what you need, the next step is figuring out how to get there. Here is a sneak peek of upcoming posts in this series. We will explore income options Gen X can use before retirement. We will also discuss options they can use during retirement.

1. Continue in Your Current Job (or Scale Back)

If your job is sustainable and enjoyable, consider working longer, even part-time, to delay withdrawals and stretch your savings.

2. A New Career Path

Retirement is your opportunity to pivot. Think tutoring, consulting, or pursuing a nonprofit passion project.

3. Side Hustles

Ride-sharing, freelancing, pet-sitting, or even digital product sales—we’ll explore the best flexible gigs for Gen X.

4. Sell Your Stuff (or Your Skills)

Whether it is downsizing, crafting, or launching an online store, we will talk about how to monetize your hobbies and clutter.

5. And More!

We will also cover passive income, rental properties, digital content, and unconventional retirement plans. Stay tuned!

You are not Alone

Most of us were not taught how to retire. We have been through recessions, raised families, paid debts—and now it is our turn. This blog is about support, options, and empowerment.

We are Gen X. We are not fading into the background—we are rocking retirement. And it starts with the foundation we build today.

Let’s Talk

Drop a comment below: What are your biggest retirement-rocking questions or concerns? Are you thinking about working longer? Downsizing? Starting a side hustle?

I will do my best to dig up resources, stats, and real-world stories to support you. Let’s figure this out—together.

Until next time,

Do a little dance, make a little love,

Tia