re: Is $1 million a lot of money in 2019?

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tirebitr, what was your occupation?

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I worked in finance primarily. It's pretty easy to get a good start when one has no kids and doesn't need aspirational housing/vehicles, good retirement plans/matching, etc. A lot of it was having a high savings rate and when having a strong year saving 50% of income. It helped missing the tech implosion in 2000 and largely missing the worst of 2008/2009. Wife will get a pension and fortunately our investments are roughly 50/50 taxable/tax advantaged (well, until you have to draw upon IRAs, etc.)but have a good bit in Roths and part of her 403b is Roth, + decent sized HSA. Also very fortunate that $16/4-pack of craft beer wasn't around when I used to drink a lot of beer, and not having ridiculous levels of student loans coming out of school. Also made money in RE and currently one of those investment in CRE and an operating company will be a sticking point on any form of ACA subsidy.

People questioning the targeted $130k income mark for 2 relatively young retirees I would ask if they do their own taxes or actually read their returns if prepared by a CPA or other? Combined Fed and State rate was 28% last year and that was largely offsetting a good deal of spouse's work income with max 403b with +50 Yr catch up, 2 max IRA contributions, and max HSA contribution. $4k city/county RE taxes, etc. Taxes start adding up, + insurance/deductibles/co-insurance could be $25k. I actually believe, after a lot of evaluation, we could likely pull a good bit more if market opportunities presented, but don't feel it's prudent in the beginning of what might be a long retirement for my wife as she is a healthy eater and fitness freak.

Whatever number works for someone that's great. I just know in ER for 2 people there will be a disproportionate level of spending on trips and visiting new places and it has to be forecast/covered.