> Relying on a 401k alone means that in the best case scenario means you're all but guaranteed to work until 60. This isn't actually true. I don't mean to sugg

> Relying on a 401k alone means that in the best case scenario means you're all but guaranteed to work until 60. This isn't actually true. I don't mean to suggest that the GP is good advice, but: 1) Many companies offer "mega-backdoor Roth" 401k, with in-service conversion from regular after-tax dollars to Roth after-tax, meaning you can contribute a total of ~$53k annually or whatever the number is now. 2) When you separate from your employer, you can roll over your Trad and Roth 401k into Trad and Roth IRAs. 3) After 5 years (which clearly won't be an issue), the principal contributed to a Roth can be withdrawn tax and penalty free even before retirement age. 4) You can always convert Trad IRA dollars to Roth IRA dollars by paying tax. These dollars become principal in the Roth and therefore eligible for early distribution. Assuming you haven't retired incredibly early or made highly unusual gains, a combination of continued Trad->Roth conversion and Roth principal distribution can get you to retirement age even without any additional savings.