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Money goals are something most of us think about — whether it’s saving up for a trip, buying a home or just having a little extra breathing room in the bank account. But what happens when you actually get there? When the “what if” dreams turn into reality, does the feeling of security and contentment finally arrive?
That question is especially interesting when it comes to people who’ve reached levels of wealth that most of us can only imagine. Do they wake up one day and say, “Yep, I’ve made it. I can relax now”? Or does the target just keep moving, no matter how much is in the account?
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GOBankingRates asked wealthy individuals Shanli Liu, finance expert and the managing partner of FreedomFolio, and Angelo Crocco, CPA, CGMA, owner of AC Accounting, if they ever truly feel like they have “enough.” Their answers reveal a lot — not just about money, but about how we measure satisfaction and success, and what really makes life feel full.
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When ‘Enough’ Truly Arrives
For Liu, “enough” has always been less about a specific dollar figure and more about the freedom to live on her own terms. “I reached a point where my family’s needs, personal lifestyle goals and future plans were fully funded and that’s when I first felt a sense of sufficiency,” she said.
But even then, she realized that wealth without purpose feels incomplete. Her advice is to define “enough” in terms of security, impact and fulfillment rather than just accumulation.
“Map out your essential expenses, lifestyle aspirations and philanthropic goals. Once those are covered, additional income becomes a tool for choice rather than a measure of self-worth,” she said.
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Satisfaction Can Be Elusive
Even after achieving substantial financial milestones, Liu said it’s natural to still feel driven to grow wealth.
“Ambition doesn’t stop, but it can be redirected,” she explained. “I’ve learned to create boundaries around financial growth by setting clear goals for giving, investing and personal enjoyment.”
She recommended treating extra income as a resource to empower experiences, support others or invest in meaningful projects. That shift, from chasing numbers to applying resources intentionally, transforms the feeling of scarcity into satisfaction.
Why Enough Can Keep Shifting
“Even with significant wealth, I’d be lying if I said I never feel the tug of ‘just a little more,’” Crocco said.
He noted money has this strange way of expanding its definition of safety.
First, you want enough to cover bills. Then enough to send kids to college. Then enough to retire early, avoid medical debt or shield yourself against a market crash. The finish line keeps going further.
“For me, the moment I realized I might never truly feel satisfied, I tried to reframe my aim,” he said.
Sufficiency in Small Steps
Instead of waiting for a satisfactory destination, Crocco started focusing on sufficiency in small steps.
“Step one is covering needs. Step two is protecting against known risks. Step three is optional, like growth, legacy, philanthropy etc.,” he said.
He explained that breaking it down this way stops you from equating wealth with your self-worth.
The advice he gives his clients is to build a system that can guarantee you stability, and then decide whether chasing for more still aligns with your values. Because without that structure, you will always be looking for more.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: We Asked 2 Wealthy People If They Ever Feel Like They Have ‘Enough’