How to Build Financial Freedom Without Chasing Millions | DollarsAndSense Podcast Ep53

How much money do you really need to retire comfortably in Singapore? Is the famous $1 million retirement goal realistic, or should you be focusing on something else? In this special episode of the DollarsAndSense Podcast, filmed live at InsureXpo by CIMB 2026, we sit down with Prof Sharon Ng to discuss what financial independence actually means, and why retirement planning isn't just about hitting one magic number. In this episode, we cover whether $1 million is enough for retirement, how to calculate your own retirement needs, why financial independence looks different for everyone, common retirement planning mistakes, the importance of insurance and protecting your financial future, habits that help you build long-term financial security, and the "Sleep Test", a simple way to know if you're financially prepared. 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Are Singaporeans Financially Ready for Retirement? 01:48 The Psychology Behind Financial Independence 04:12 Is Financial Freedom About Money or Peace of Mind? 05:05 The $1 Million Retirement Goal Explained 06:40 Do You Really Need $1 Million to Retire? 08:01 Why Everyone's Retirement Number Is Different 09:58 Can You Really Retire in Your 40s? 12:10 Why Retirement Planning Gets Delayed 15:05 The "Sleep Test" for Financial Confidence 18:12 Final Advice: Build a Retirement Plan That Fits You Whether you're just starting your career or already planning for retirement, this conversation offers practical insights to help you build lasting financial confidence. Follow us on our socials: Facebook:   / dollarsandsensesg   Telegram: https://t.me/dollarsandsense Instagram:   / dnssingapore   Listen to our podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XkfHXO... Co-host: Feng Yi   / emceefeng   Don’t forget to subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive the latest updates from us: https://dollarsandsensesg.link/dollar...