What should I do with money to feel secure before I stop working?

Security is not a number. It's a feeling built on understanding. I've always believed that reason—clear thinking about what you have and what you need—is the foundation of dignity. So start there. Create a realistic picture of your financial life: assets, debts, income, expenses. No fantasy. Then build three layers. First, an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses, kept liquid and separate. Second, a plan for healthcare costs, which are often the largest unknown in retirement. Third, a diversified portfolio aligned with your timeline and temperament—some people can stomach market swings; others can't, and that's information, not weakness. The last and most important layer is psychological: know your own values. Do you want to leave an inheritance? Travel? Support others? Fund a passion? Your money should reflect your ethics and your love, not society's expectations. When your financial strategy aligns with what you actually care about, security follows naturally. You stop fighting yourself.