We expect to reach $20 million in a few decades, but I worry about not working - is our financial future truly secure?

A couple in their early 40s lives in a medium-cost Southeastern city and holds roughly $6 million in net worth after a successful tech exit. Liquid investments include $600,000–$700,000 in super-funded 529 college accounts and about $1 million in home equity while retaining a favorable mortgage. The couple can return to the workforce but faces decisions about one partner becoming a full-time stay-at-home parent. Major trade-offs include childcare and nanny costs, parental burnout, target fatFIRE figures such as $20 million, tax and cash-flow implications, and whether to pay down the mortgage or relocate. Their situation requires detailed planning to align lifestyle choices with long-term financial security. Professional advice and careful modeling of expenses and withdrawal strategies can clarify options.

This is a unique situation that isn't truly a FIRE scenario, but one that requires additional thought. The Redditor is in a great financial position with their spouse, and they can still return to the workforce. The real question here is whether the Redditor wants to become a stay-at-home full-time parent. Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset's free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don't waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)

As an overview, this individual and their partner are in their early 40s and live in a medium-cost-of-living city somewhere in the Southeast. The biggest factor in this story is that the Redditor recently had a successful exit from a tech company, which brought the family's net worth to approximately $6 million. This number includes liquid investments of between $600,000 and $700,000 in 529 accounts that they super-funded years ago for their children. There is also an additional million dollars in equity in their home with a mortgage that has an attractive enough rate to make them unlikely to pay it off or move anytime soon.

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