500k in safe indexes. 200k for stock picking. 200k for well-considered bets/gambles. 100k emergency in a 5% HYSA.<p>Unless you're a certified misanthrope, you won't need 'fuck-you' money for life. Why are you saying 'fuck-you' to so many people to begin with ? Most people only need enough 'fuck you' money, to say fuck you to those who exploit them under threat of retaliation. You don't need that much money to do that.<p>I'm assuming you're a decent person. Then yeah, at $200k gambling money, you can start living like you have fuck you money, and your relationships are likelier to improve than degrade. You won't have ulterior motives, you will have time for those you love and a stress-free person is more pleasant to be around. Sometimes you're your own gamble. So, set aside part of the $200k to take a break or start a startup. A fresh mind is a productive mind. Having bootstrap funding allows you to protect more equity in future funding rounds. <i>The possibilities are endless</i> !<p>Yes, one day, your fuck you money may run out. But the world doesn't end. You can always re-enter the work force. If anything, this time you'll have better relationships, fewer regrets and anwered what-ifs.<p>Fuck you money can be seen 2 ways. It's either the ability to find time to pursure what you want, now freed from the rat race. Or, it is the ability to do nothing, now that the rat race expects nothing off you. The former will pays off in dividends, either monetarily or spiritually. The latter leads to lethargy, cognitive decline and an early demise.<p>_________<p>edit: I think someone with kids is unlikely to ask this kind of question. So my response is phrased towards someone without such responsibilities.