How Long Will $500K Last in Retirement? — IWA Blog (2024)

You might be pondering over the critical question, “Is it possible to retire with a nest egg of $500k?”

We all dream of a comfortable retirement, but what does that really mean?

For some, retirement might mean bidding farewell to their professional life, downsizing their living arrangements, and relying on their savings for the rest of their days. For others, nearly half of all retirees, it could mean engaging in part-time work, globetrotting, and spending quality time with loved ones.

How Long Will $500K Last in Retirement? — IWA Blog (1)

Regardless of your retirement aspirations, it’s evident that you need a sizable retirement fund. So, how long will $500,000 last in retirement? Is $500,000 enough for retirement? Let’s delve into some crucial considerations when planning for retirement with a $500k nest egg.

Key Factors to Consider

Financial advisors often employ the 4% rule to assist clients in devising retirement plans. This rule suggests that retirees can withdraw 4% of their savings upon retirement, adjusting their withdrawals for inflation each subsequent year for 30 years.

The rule implies that if you can get by on $20,000 per year, you should be able to retire with $500k for 30 years (or even longer). However, the reality is that you might not be able to live comfortably (and happily) on $20,000, depending on your circumstances and lifestyle.

Let’s examine some factors that can influence your expenses post-retirement:

Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle can significantly impact your retirement spending. Your preferences might be more or less costly than others. For instance, if you’re among the 70% of American workers who plan to spend some of their retirement time traveling, you’ll likely spend more than those who aren’t as keen on traveling.

How Long Will $500K Last in Retirement? — IWA Blog (2)

The State Where You Live

Your place of residence can significantly affect your spending due to varying costs of living. If you live in a state like Hawaii, which was the most expensive state to live in in 2023, your retirement expenses will be higher compared to someone living in a state with lower taxes and living costs like Oregon.

Health Conditions

Health conditions can influence your retirement spending. Chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, and their associated medications, can affect your savings.

Cost of Property and Food

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, housing is a major retirement expense for older households, accounting for $16,219 annually (32.9 percent of annual expenditure). Food costs also affect retirement spending, with older adults spending as much as $6,066 on food annually. This represents 12.3% of most people’s annual expenditure.

Inflation

Retirees tend to spend more on services and items significantly influenced by inflation, such as healthcare, housing, and food. Inflation rates have surged, forcing consumer prices to rise by 9.1% from June 2021 to June 2022. This means your money may not stretch as far as it did when you first retired. Financial planners typically recommend budgeting for a 3% annual inflation rate in retirement.

Estate Planning

Are you thinking about the future and how to protect your legacy? It’s never too early to start planning. At Interactive Wealth, we offer comprehensive estate planning services designed to ensure that your hard-earned assets are preserved and passed down according to your wishes.

Don’t leave your estate’s fate to chance. Learn more about how we can help you prepare for the future, reduce uncertainty, and avoid potential legal pitfalls.

Learn more

Is Half a Million Enough to Retire Alone in 2023?

So, you’ve been pondering the big question, “Can I call it a day with 500k in my pocket?” For many, the response is a resounding “no”.

After all, a 500k retirement fund might seem like a drop in the ocean when you factor in healthcare, housing, and other basic necessities. According to a 2023 Northwestern Mutual study, the average American believes they’ll need a cool $1.25 million to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

How Long Will $500K Last in Retirement? — IWA Blog (3)

However, retiring on 500k isn’t entirely out of the question if your annual expenses are less than about $20,000.

In fact, ​​a recent survey found that 38% of Americans believe that a $500,000 retirement nest egg is achievable. Only 14% of respondents believe you need between $1 million and $5 million to retire, while 30% think you can do it with between $500,000 and $1 million.

Can a Couple Sail into the Sunset with 500,000 Dollars?

Retirement can be a costly affair. But is $500,000 retirement fund sufficient for a couple?

Data from Census.gov shows that in 2020, the average retirement income for married couples over 65 was $101,500. While things may have changed a lot since then, a couple might just be able to retire on $500,000 today.

But remember, the longevity of your savings will greatly depend on your lifestyle. You can stretch your $500k much further, for instance, if you’re willing to live frugally and don’t plan to make major life changes (like globe-trotting or starting a business).

Of course, this is just a ballpark figure. Depending on your specific situation, you might need this amount or even more. To play it safe, it is recommended that you aim for a monthly income of at least 70% of your pre-retirement income if you want a comfortable retirement, whether you are a single person or a couple.

Can I Retire on $500,000 Plus Social Security?

You’ve probably asked yourself this question a million times: is $500,000 enough for retirement plus social security? The answer, unfortunately, is not a straightforward yes or no.

Social Security payments are received by 90% of people aged 65 and over and account for 50% or more of the family income for at least half of them. This is different from your 401k. As a result, your Social Security payout is a crucial part of your retirement planning.

How Long Will $500K Last in Retirement? — IWA Blog (4)

According to the Social Security Administration, the maximum benefit for people receiving Social Security at the age of 62 in 2023 is around $2,572. This amounts to ​​$28,368 annually. If you add $28,368 from social security benefits to the $20,000 benchmark retirement savings from your $500k nest egg, you could probably retire on $500K plus social security.

But you’ll need to organize a spending plan for your retirement income that minimizes taxes, as well as maximize your budget, investment returns, and Social Security benefits.

The best way to figure out what to do with your social security benefits is to consider social security tax planning so that you can optimize your income. But in the meantime, half a million dollars is a good start.

How Long Will $500,000 Last in Retirement by State

How long do retirement savings last? This is a question that comes up often, and it’s one of the first things people think about when they want to retire, especially when they look at the cost of living in their state.

For example, you can’t retire on $500,000 if you live in Alaska or Hawaii and expect this money to last for a long time. But where can you retire and how long will your money last there?

Here are some of the best states to live in retirement, and some of the worst too. Find out how long $500k will last in retirement by state.

StateDurationAnnual Expenditure
Alabama11 years, 11 months, and 16 days$41,821.94
Alaska8 years, 3 months, and 7 days$60,472.91
Arizona10 years, 2 months, and 6 days$49,101.53
Arkansas11 years, 6 months, and 23 days$43,249.31
California​​7 years, 4 months, and 22 days$67,657.34
Colorado9 years, 11 months, and 23 days$50,100.69
Connecticut8 years, 7 months, and 20 days$57,856.06
Delaware9 years, 8 months, and 26 days$51,337.74
Florida10 years, 5 months, and 23 days$47,721.74
Georgia11 years, 9 months, and 29 days$42,250.15
Hawaii5 years, 5 months, and 8 days$91,970.21
Idaho10 years, 3 months, and 15 days$48,578.16
Illinois11 years, 1 month, and 19 days$44,867.00
Indiana11 years, 7 months, and 6 days$43,106.57
Iowa11 years, 8 months, and 8 days$42,773.52
Kansas12 years, 1 month, and 23 days$41,155.84
Kentucky11 years, 3 months, and 15 days$44,296.05
Louisiana11 years, 3 months, and 19 days$44,248.47
Maine9 years, 1 month, and 19 days$54,715.85
Maryland8 years, 5 months, and 19 days$58,997.96
Massachusetts7 years, 9 months, and 11 days$64,231.65
Michigan11 years, 6 months, and 5 days$43,439.63
Mississippi12 years, 7 months, and 13 days$39,633.31
Missouri11 years, 8 months, and 12 days$42,725.94
Montana10 years, 5 months, and 9 days$47,912.05
Nebraska11 years, 2 months, and 21 days$44,581.52
Nevada9 years, 10 months, and 20 days$50,576.48
New Hampshire9 years, 6 months, and 22 days$52,289.32
New Jersey9 years, 1 month, and 12 days$54,811.01
New Mexico11 years, 6 months, and 19 days$43,296.89
New York7 years, 1 month, and 1 day$70,512.08
North Carolina10 years, 11 months, and 23 days$45,533.10
North Dakota10 years, 8 months, and 12 days$46,722.58
Ohio11 years, 6 months, and 5 days$43,439.63
Oklahoma11 years, 11 months, and 16 days$41,821.94
Oregon8 years and 29 days$61,900.28
Pennsylvania10 years and 3 months$48,768.48
Rhode Island8 years, 11 months, and 19 days$55,762.59
South Carolina11 years, 2 months, and 24 days$44,533.94
South Dakota10 years, 4 months, and 25 days$48,054.79
Tennessee11 years, 9 months, and 22 days$42,345.31
Texas11 years, 4 months, and 29 days$43,820.26
Utah10 years, 7 months, and 10 days$47,103.21
Vermont8 years, 11 months, and and 4 days$55,667.43
Virginia10 years, 3 months, and 26 days$48,435.42
Washington9 years, 5 months, and 1 day$53,098.16
West Virginia11 years, 7 months, and 10 days$43,059.00
Wisconsin10 years, 10 months, and 24 days$45,866.16
Wyoming11 years, 1 month, and 19 days$44,867.00

What Kind of Earnings Can $500K Yield?

As you strategize for your future, you might be hesitant to simply spend your savings. Instead, you’d prefer to invest it in a way that provides you with a steady income for the rest of your life.

For some, this involves putting their money into fixed-interest savings accounts such as a fixed annuity or a certificate of deposit (CD). But what kind of income can you expect from a $500,000 investment in annuities?

How Long Will $500K Last in Retirement? — IWA Blog (5)

Investing 500,000 Dollars

If you put $500k into an annuity at age 60 and start earning right away, you can anticipate an annual income of roughly $26,256. This income is distributed monthly, meaning you could receive around $2,188 each month from your annuity.

If you retire at 65 and invest the $500k, you can expect to receive $2,396 per month, and if you purchase the annuity at 70, your monthly income would be about $2,605. However, the precise income you’ll receive from your annuity will depend on several factors, including the type of annuity you select and the prevailing interest rate. This is where you need asset protection retirement planning so that you don’t make the wrong choice.

Wealth Management

Looking for a smarter way to manage your wealth? Interactive Wealth has the expertise and personalized strategies to help you meet your financial goals and optimize your wealth. Don’t just dream about financial stability and prosperity, take the next step. Discover our Wealth Management Services today and let us guide you on your path to financial success.

Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Retire With $500K at 45?

The straightforward answer is, it’s possible. With a $500K income, social security benefits, a frugal lifestyle, and a bit of good fortune, this could be achievable for some, but not all.

However, remember that unless you receive a significant financial windfall (in which case, you should definitely consult a windfall financial planner), retiring at 45 could prevent you from reaching your peak earning years, which could potentially increase your social security benefits.

Can You Retire With $500k at 50?

Absolutely. For many individuals, retiring with $500k is sufficient.

By applying the 4% rule, a $500K nest egg, coupled with an income source like Social Security and a reasonably moderate lifestyle, should be enough to sustain a $20K per year lifestyle (pre-tax) for at least 20 years.

You can extend this period if your expenses are less than $20,000. However, while retiring at 50 with $500k might work for a single individual, it might not be sufficient for couples.

Can You Retire With $500k at 55?

Indeed, retiring at 55 with $500k is feasible. According to the 4% rule, if you retire with $500,000 in assets, you should be able to withdraw $20,000 per year for 30 years or more.

Moreover, investing this money in an annuity could provide a guaranteed annual income of $24,688 for those retiring at 55. This income could be particularly beneficial for older couples with a single source of income in their post-work years.

Can You Retire with $500,000 at 60?

Retiring at 60 with 500k is achievable if you plan to downsize, adopt a minimalist lifestyle, and supplement your savings with a pension plan, annuity, or Social Security benefits. At 60, an annuity can provide a guaranteed income of $30,500 per year for the rest of your life.

Regardless of your age, the amount of money you’ll need to retire will be entirely dependent on your personal circumstances.

Final Thoughts

This guide should have given you some insight into how to retire with $500k.

However, it’s crucial to remember that what works for one person might not work for another. There’s no universal answer to how to invest or how much money you’ll need for your retirement.

That said, if you’re seeking advice on whether retiring with $500k is feasible, the best course of action is to consult a financial advisor. They can help you determine what’s realistic based on your unique circumstances.

Interactive Wealth Advisors (IWA) is a holistic wealth management firm specializing in retirement planning. If you’re concerned about whether your current savings are sufficient for your retirement, IWA’s team of financial advisors can address all your queries.

Our team of seasoned financial advisors can assist you in crafting a plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives.

Contact us today.

How Long Will $500K Last in Retirement? — IWA Blog (2024)

FAQs

How Long Will $500K Last in Retirement? — IWA Blog? ›

According to the 4% rule, if you retire with $500,000 in assets, you should be able to withdraw $20,000 per year for 30 years or more. Moreover, investing this money in an annuity could provide a guaranteed annual income of $24,688 for those retiring at 55.

How long should $500,000 last in retirement? ›

How long may $500,000 last in retirement? It depends on how and how long you live. One financial professional suggested that retirement can last for 25 years or until age 90 when a person retires at 65.

What percentage of people retire with $5000000? ›

Data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, reveals that a mere 0.1% of retirees manage to accumulate over $5 million in their retirement accounts, whereas only 3.2% amass over $1 million.

How much income can $500,000 generate in retirement? ›

If you have $500,000 in savings, then according to the 4% rule, you will have access to roughly $20,000 per year for 30 years. Retiring early will affect the amount of your Social Security benefit.

How long will $600 000 last in retirement? ›

Summary. It is possible to retire with $600,000 if you plan and budget accordingly. With an annual withdrawal of $40,000, you will have enough savings to last for over 20 years.

Can you retire with $500,000 plus Social Security? ›

As we have established, retiring on $500k is entirely feasible. With the addition of Social Security benefits, this becomes even more of a possibility. In retirement, Social Security benefits can provide an additional $1,900 per month, on average.

What percentage of Americans have over $500000 in retirement savings? ›

Believe it or not, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, only 9% of American households have saved half a million dollars or more for retirement. That's right, less than one in 10 families has reached this milestone. It's an impressive feat, but it also highlights the challenges many people face.

What does the average American retire with? ›

Data from the Federal Reserve's most recent Survey of Consumer Finances (2022) indicates the median retirement savings account balance for all U.S. families stands at $87,000.

How many retirees have 1 million dollars? ›

According to the Federal Reserve's latest Survey of Consumer Finances, only about 10% of American retirees have managed to save $1 million or more. This leaves a significant 90% who fall short of this milestone. Don't Miss: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement — How do you compare?

How many people have $3000000 in savings in the USA? ›

There are estimated to be a little over 8 million households in the US with a net worth of $3 million or more.

What is a good monthly retirement income? ›

Average Monthly Retirement Income

According to data from the BLS, average 2022 incomes after taxes were as follows for older households: 65-74 years: $63,187 per year or $5,266 per month. 75 and older: $47,928 per year or $3,994 per month.

What is the average 401k balance for a 65 year old? ›

Average and median 401(k) balances by age
Age rangeAverage balanceMedian balance
35-44$91,281$35,537
45-54$168,646$60,763
55-64$244,750$87,571
65+$272,588$88,488
2 more rows
Jun 24, 2024

Is $1500 a month enough to retire on? ›

Living on $1500 per month in retirement may seem challenging, but with careful planning and smart strategies, it is achievable.

Can a retiree live on $3,000 a month? ›

But if you're past that phase of your life, setting realistic retirement expectations and moving to an affordable home can put you on track to a nice lifestyle while keeping your living costs below $3,000 each month.

Can I retire at 65 with 600k? ›

If you manage to stay healthy and never need long-term care then $600,000 could be enough to sustain you in retirement. On the other hand, if you need long-term care in a nursing facility that could take a large bite out of your savings. Medicare doesn't cover extended nursing home care.

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement? ›

Understanding the $1K Per Month Rule

According to this rule, for every $240,000 you save, you can withdraw $1,000 per month if you stick to a 5% annual withdrawal rate.

Can I retire at 62 with $400,000 in 401k? ›

Bottom Line. If you have $400,000 in the bank you can retire early at age 62, but it will be tight. The good news is that if you can keep working for just five more years, you are on track for a potentially quite comfortable retirement by full retirement age.

How much income does $500,000 generate at 62? ›

By retiring early you are giving your portfolio less time to grow and will spend more time making withdrawals. A $500,000 Roth IRA is a small portfolio. Using the 4% rule, it can only generate $20,000 per year/$1,667 per month. This is tight for an individual and probably unworkable for a couple.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 5279

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.