How Long Will My Money Last In Retirement?

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

It’s a common question: how long will my retirement savings last? Many people are worried about whether they’ll have enough money to live on during retirement. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to stretch your retirement savings – it’s all about being smart about money management during retirement. This guide will discuss tips for making your retirement savings last as long as possible!

This retirement plan is ideal for the following:

If you are far from retiring (Ages 30-54), follow this step-by-step guide to guarantee your future retirement, starting today.

Can You Run Out Of Retirement Money?

The first thing to understand is that running out of retirement money is possible. This typically happens when people don’t plan carefully for their retirement income and essential expenses. As a result, they may spend more than expected or not have enough income to cover their costs.

How Long Will My Retirement Savings Last?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including how much money you have saved, how much you plan to spend during retirement, and what sort of investment return you can expect. However, some general rules of thumb can help you know how long your retirement savings might last.

As a general rule of thumb, most experts recommend that you plan to have enough retirement savings to cover at least three to five years of living expenses. This will help you have a cushion in unexpected events like job loss or medical emergencies.

Another rule of thumb is to aim for a retirement savings goal of at least $500,000. This may seem like a lot of money, but remember that your retirement savings will need to last you for many years. However, if you start saving early and invest wisely, reaching this goal is achievable!

What Are The Five Factors When Planning For Retirement?

When planning for retirement, you should consider five key factors when using investment advice and deciding which savings account best suits you: rate of return, flexibility, safety and security, fees, other expenses, and taxes.

  • Rate of Return: The rate of return measures the amount per dollar invested in your savings account. A higher rate of return usually means a better return.
  • Flexibility: Your retirement plan should be tailored to your financial situation, so it is essential to have flexibility when choosing. Consider features like early withdrawal options, access to funds, and automatic transfers for re-investment or other withdrawals.
  • Safety and Security: You should always ensure that the institution where you are keeping your investments has a good record of providing secure banking services. Look for factors like FDIC insurance, cyber security protocols, and online banking systems.
  • Fees and Taxes: Different accounts have different fees attached, so it is essential to consider these when looking for a retirement plan. Ensure you understand any potential fees associated with the account and the taxes associated with withdrawals or interest earned on your savings balance.
  • Long-Term Goals: Lastly, you should consider your long-term goals. Consider where you want to be in five or ten years and determine which savings account will help you reach those goals more quickly.

By taking the time to consider these five factors when planning for retirement, you can be sure that you are choosing a savings account that best fits your future financial goals.

How Many Years Should Retirement Savings Last?

Your retirement savings should last for as long as you need them. However, this isn’t always possible. In reality, most people will need to rely on other sources of income at some point during retirement, such as part-time work or government benefits.

A few factors can impact how long your retirement savings will last. For example, if you plan to retire early, your savings must last longer than someone who retires later. Additionally, if you expect to have high medical expenses or want to travel extensively during retirement, your savings will also need to last for a more extended period.

How Long Will My Money Last Using The 4% Rule?

One way to estimate how long your retirement savings will last is using the “four percent rule.” This rule of thumb suggests that you withdraw four percent of your retirement savings each year and still have enough money for 30 years.

For example, let’s say you have $100,000 in retirement savings. Using the four percent rule, you could withdraw $4000 annually ($100,000 x 0.04) and still have enough money to last 30 years.

Of course, this is just a general guideline – your actual withdrawals will depend on factors such as your investment return, inflation, and how long you expect to live in retirement.

The 4% rule has recently been criticized for being too aggressive. Many experts now recommend using a withdrawal rate of three percent or less to make sure your retirement savings last as long as possible.

Tips for Making Your Retirement Savings Last

Once you know how long your retirement savings might last, it’s time to start thinking about ways to make your money last even longer. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Review your budget and make adjustments as needed: One of the best ways to stretch your retirement savings is to review your budget and make any necessary adjustments carefully. This might include cutting back on unnecessary expenses, such as dining out or travel.
  • Make sure you’re taking advantage of all available tax breaks: Several tax breaks can help reduce the amount of taxes you owe, which can, in turn, help you stretch your retirement savings. Be sure to contact a tax professional or us for tax advice to see what breaks you might be eligible for.
  • Consider working part-time during retirement: Working part-time can help supplement your income and make your savings last longer. Just consider the pros and cons before making any decisions carefully.
  • Stay healthy and active: Keeping yourself healthy and active during retirement can help reduce overall healthcare costs, saving you a lot of money in the long run.

Can I Retire on a Fixed Income?

Retiring on a fixed income can be difficult. If you don’t have enough saved in an emergency fund, making ends meet and enjoying your retirement can be challenging. That’s why it’s vital to ensure you save as much as possible for retirement — including putting some of your funds into savings.

Savings accounts can provide you with extra security in retirement, allowing you to access your funds quickly and providing peace of mind that your finances are safe if an emergency should arise. Savings accounts also offer interest on the balance in your so you can earn a return on your investment.

When choosing, you’ll want to ensure it will provide sufficient returns for your retirement goals. Different accounts can offer various interest rates and other benefits, so comparing them before deciding is essential. Look at the annual percentage yield (APY), any fees, and the minimum balance required to get started.

Can I Retire On A Fixed Income?

Can I Retire on Social Security?

Can you retire on Social Security alone? That depends mainly on the amount of your monthly benefit, how much other income you have, and what kind of lifestyle you hope to maintain in retirement.

Social Security benefits were never intended to provide a complete retirement income. The average monthly benefit for an individual in 2018 was about $1,413, about $17,000 annually. That’s not enough to cover basic expenses such as housing and food.

That’s why it is so important to have a retirement plan that includes other sources of income, such as investments and savings. An excellent place to start is to open a high-yield account. High-yield accounts offer higher interest rates than traditional ones, making them ideal for long-term saving goals. In addition, comparing different accounts can help you find the best combination of features and returns for your needs.

An annuity is another way to supplement your benefits. An annuity is a product that pays out a regular income stream for the rest of your life or a specific period. This can provide you with an additional layer of financial security, allowing you to enjoy more peace of mind knowing that you have a steady source of income if something.

Lastly, another option for income is to take out a reverse mortgage. This type of loan allows you to convert part of the value of your home into cash. Reverse mortgages can significantly supplement your benefits and compensate for any gaps in your plan.

The bottom line is that Social Security alone may not be enough for you to live comfortably in retirement.

Can I Retire On Social Security?

How Much Guaranteed Income do I Need During Retirement?

The guaranteed income you need during retirement depends on various factors, including age, whether you are married or single, and how much you have saved in savings accounts.

When calculating your guaranteed income needs, it’s essential to factor in any Social Security benefits you may be receiving and other sources of retirement income, such as part-time work or annuities.

Once you have calculated your guaranteed income needs, compare different savings accounts to ensure you get the best return. Some savings accounts offer higher interest rates than others, so it pays to shop around and compare. Also, consider additional fees associated with different accounts, such as annual or transaction costs.

What is The 4% Rule For Retirement?

The 4% rule is a popular retirement-planning strategy first introduced by William P. Bengen in 1994. The rule suggests that retirees should withdraw 4% of their initial retirement portfolio balance annually, adjusting the withdrawal amount each year for inflation. It has since been widely used as a guideline for developing sustainable spending plans throughout retirement.

One benefit of the 4% rule is that it can give retirees a realistic spending goal for their savings. By withdrawing no more than 4% of their initial portfolio balance each year, retirees can ensure that they will not outlive their savings. With thoughtful planning and proper asset allocation, the 4% rule can help retirees maintain their lifestyle without risking the depletion of assets.

At the same time, it is essential to note that the 4% rule is not an exact science and should be more of a general guideline than a strict withdrawal rule. Depending on factors such as age, health status, life expectancy, and risk tolerance, some retirees may find a withdrawal rate of more than 4% appropriate, while others may need to withdraw less. Ultimately, deciding how much to withdraw should be based on a thorough understanding of income needs and expectations.

The 4% rule is essential for retirees planning their financial future; however, it is not the only factor to consider when developing a plan. Other considerations such as rates, Social Security income, and tax implications should all be considered to develop the best possible plan for long-term financial success.

What Is The 4% Rule For Retirement?

What is The 3% Withdrawal Rule?

The 3% Withdrawal Rule is a common rule of thumb used by investors when deciding how much to withdraw from their accounts each year. This rule states that no more than 3% of the total value of an investor’s portfolio should be withdrawn in any given year. This helps to ensure that the investor has enough resources to cover their living expenses and that they are not depleting their savings too quickly.

The 3% Withdrawal Rule is essential when comparing different accounts. Some accounts may offer higher interest rates than others. Still, if the withdrawal limits prevent you from accessing your funds within a certain period, it could be challenging to make any meaningful withdrawals. It’s, therefore, essential to consider the withdrawal rules of each account you’re considering before making a decision.

By following the 3% Withdrawal Rule, investors can ensure they make wise financial decisions with regular withdrawals regarding their accounts. This rule helps ensure that investors maintain a healthy balance, which can help them achieve their financial goals. Furthermore, this rule helps protect investors from depleting their savings too quickly and making premature withdrawals.

How Much Does The Average 65-Year-Old Have in Retirement Savings?

The research shows the average 65-year-old has a median retirement savings balance of $58,035. That means half of Americans over 65 have more than this amount saved for retirement, and half have less. But this number does vary by income category: those with incomes in the highest quintile (top 20%) had an average balance of $271,711, while those in the lowest quintile had an average balance of just $16,945.

The amount saved also depends on which type of account is used. For example, a high yield may offer higher returns than a traditional one, resulting in higher balances over time. For example, high-yield may pay an interest rate of 1.5% or higher, adding hundreds of dollars to the balance annually. In addition, some accounts offer added benefits such as no minimum opening deposit and free ATM access.

The best way to maximize savings is to find the proper account that offers both a high rate of return and added benefits. However, it’s also important to remember that retirement planning should not be relegated to one type; diversifying across various accounts, such as stocks, bonds, and money market accounts, can provide greater returns and better protection against inflation over time.

How Much Does The Average 65-Year-Old Have In Retirement Savings?

How Long Will $250,000 Last in Retirement?

If you’ve saved up $250,000 for retirement, the amount you can expect to last during your golden years will depend on several factors. The most crucial factor is how much you plan to spend each year on essential expenses. Of course, other considerations exist, such as inflation, taxes, and investment returns.

Inflation can significantly impact how long your $250,000 will last. Inflation is the rate at which prices for goods and services increase over time. As inflation rises, so does the cost of living. If you don’t plan for inflation when calculating your budget, you may find that your finances won’t stretch as far as you thought they would.

Taxes should also be considered when considering the longevity of your $250,000 retirement funds. For example, you may face taxes when taking distributions (such as a traditional IRA or Roth IRA) depending on where your money is held. In addition, any distributions you take from your accounts could be subject to federal or state income taxes, potentially reducing your available money.

How Long Will $250,000 Last In Retirement?

What is The Federal Marginal Tax Bracket?

The Federal Marginal Tax Bracket is the rate of tax that applies to taxpayers’ last dollar or “marginal” of their annual income amount. It’s a progressive tax system, meaning each bracket has different rates depending on how much money you earn. Generally, the more you make, the higher your marginal tax rate. Several marginal tax brackets may apply to their earnings depending on the taxpayer’s income level and filing status.

Regarding savings accounts, this marginal tax bracket should be considered when comparing different options. A higher interest rate with a lower tax rate may be more beneficial than a lower interest rate with a higher marginal tax rate. Researching and understanding the tax implications of all accounts is vital. That way, you can ensure that your money earns as much interest as possible after taxes are considered.

By understanding the Federal Marginal Tax Bracket, you can ensure that you make an informed decision about what is going to be the most beneficial for you. In addition, researching and crunching numbers can help you determine which rate of return will give you the best return on your investment, considering taxes.

What Is The Federal Marginal Tax Bracket?

Should I Seek Tax Advice as I Enter Retirement?

One of the most important considerations when planning for retirement is understanding your tax situation. The financial decisions you make during retirement can significantly impact how much money you can save and the taxes you will owe. Since each individual’s tax circumstances are unique, it’s always wise to seek advice from a qualified tax specialist before making significant financial decisions.

Tax advice can help you maximize your income and reduce the amount of taxes you owe. A qualified professional can guide topics such as: minimizing your taxable income, utilizing deductions to lower tax liability, and choosing the best savings accounts. Depending on your circumstances, a tax specialist can suggest strategies to help you save significantly.

When choosing a tax adviser, selecting someone with an established track record of accuracy and providing sound advice is essential. In addition, ask for references and search online to identify complaints or negative feedback. It’s also helpful to compare the fee structures of different advisers to find one that best suits your budget.

Should I Seek Tax Advice As I Enter Retirement?

What is The Best Way to Retire?

Retirement is a significant life milestone that requires planning to make your savings last. Preparing for retirement typically begins with setting aside funds in savings, such as an IRA or 401(k). The challenge is finding the accounts that will offer the best rates of investment return, so you can maximize your nest egg and have enough money to last your golden years.

When researching savings accounts, you should compare each account’s annual percentage yield (APY), potential fees, and minimum deposits. The APY indicates how much interest you will earn over one year, ranging from 0.01% to 1.50%. Most accounts don’t charge fees, but it is worth double-checking before signing up. As for minimum deposits, some accounts will require more significant balances than others.

In addition to savings accounts, you can also look into certificates of deposit (CDs), insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). CDs offer higher rates of return than savings accounts, but you must commit to leaving the money for a certain amount of time (usually several months or years). That means there will be an early withdrawal penalty if you need to withdraw the specified amount of money before the term ends.

Another option would be to invest in stocks and bonds. Stocks are generally higher risk than CDs and savings accounts, but they can also offer a greater potential return on your investment. Bond investments can provide steady returns with lower levels of risk, though not as high as those available from stocks.

To make the most of your funds, you must understand all the options available and choose the best option for your financial needs. A qualified financial professional can help you sort through the options and decide what savings suit you. You can ensure a secure and comfortable retirement with careful planning, saving, and investing.

What Is The Best Way To Retire?

What is a Retirement Calculator?

A Retirement Calculator is a free online tool for consumers to help with their retirement plan. The calculator allows users to input information such as expected retirement age, income, expenses, and savings interest rates. The tool then uses this data to analyze the user’s financial situation and suggest strategies based on the user’s input and past performance. This allows users to see the potential savings and plan that best fits their needs.

Using a Retirement Calculator can be extremely useful for anyone looking to meet their retirement savings goal. It considers all the different kinds of savings accounts available and helps to compare them, giving the user an insight into which ones are best for their needs. It also helps to give users an idea of how much money they should save each month and where it is best to save that money.

What Is A Retirement Calculator?

How Can I Prevent Running Out Retirement Savings?

One way to guarantee not to run out of retirement savings is to utilize an annuity to create a guaranteed income for life. An annuity is an insurance contract that pays out retirement income, and you can use it to create a stream of payments that will last as long as you live (even after the account runs out of money).

There are two main types of annuities: immediate and deferred. You make a lump sum payment with an immediate annuity and start receiving payments immediately. With a deferred annuity, you make periodic payments into the account and start receiving payments later (usually when you retire). Annuity payments can even increase throughout retirement to keep up with inflation!

No matter which type of annuity you choose, consider your options before deciding carefully. Several factors can impact how much-guaranteed income you’ll receive from an annuity, such as the type of annuity, your age, and the current interest rates.

How Long Will My Retirement Savings Last Calculator

How Long Will My Money Last In Retirement Calculator

Annuities can distribute regular withdrawals without the worry of running out of money. Use our free annuity calculator to estimate how much retirement income you can collect for the rest of your life.

Next Steps

The most important thing to remember when deciding how long your money will last is that it is not always an exact science; there are a lot of variables to consider and strategies that can be used to make your money last as long as possible. Understanding the various aspects of financial planning and investments, working with a qualified financial adviser, creating a plan, and budgeting wisely can all go a long way toward helping you figure out how long your money will last. With the right tools and information, you can create a plan that works for you and give yourself peace of mind knowing that you are responsible for your finances. Contact us to discuss your individual needs!

How Long Will My Retirement Savings Last?

Request A Quote

Get help from a licensed financial professional. This service is free of charge.

Contact Us
First
Last

Frequently Asked Questions

These are commonly asked Americans questions about when they can retire and have enough savings to retire.

Can I retire at 60 with $500k?

A person can retire at age 60 with a savings of $500,000.00. If the person is 60 and wants to retire immediately, they could earn $30,500 a year for the rest of their life. If the person is age 50 wishing to retire at age 60, they could earn $54,916 a year for the rest of their life. If a person is age 40 wanting to retire at age 60, they could earn $66,942 a year for the rest of their life. Starting at age 62, the retiree is eligible for Social Security Benefits generating more income in retirement.

Can I retire at 60 with 1 million dollars?

A person can retire at age 60 with a savings of $1,000,000.00. If the person is 60 and wants to retire immediately, they could earn $61,000 a year for the rest of their life. If a person at age 50 wants to retire at age 60, they could earn $109,832 a year for the rest of their lives. If a person is age 40 wanting to retire at age 60, they could earn $133,884 a year for the rest of their life. Starting at age 62, the retiree is eligible for Social Security Benefits generating more income in retirement.

Can I retire at 55?

A person can retire at age 55 with their savings. However, for retirees younger than 59 and a half, any income generated from a qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k) or IRA will pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty in addition to ordinary income taxes. In addition, starting at age 62, the retiree is eligible for Social Security Benefits generating more income in retirement.

Can I retire with 1 million dollars at 55?

A person can retire at age 55 with a savings of $1,000,000.00. If the person is 55 and wants to retire immediately, they could earn $56,250 a year for the rest of their life. If the person is age 45 wanting to retire at age 55, they could earn $107,026 a year for the rest of their life. If a person is age 40 wanting to retire at age 55, they could earn $118,165 a year for the rest of their life. Starting at age 62, the retiree is eligible for Social Security Benefits generating more income in retirement.

When can I retire if I was

Born in 1955: Full retirement age began in 2017.
Born in 1960: Full retirement age began in 2022.
Born in 1962: Full retirement age begins in 2024.
Born in 1963: Full retirement age begins in 2025.
Born in 1970: Full retirement age begins in 2032.

Is 2 million enough to retire?

A person can retire with $2,000,000 saved. At age 60, a person can retire on 2 million dollars generating $122,000 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately. At age 65, a person can retire on 2 million dollars generating $134,600 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately. At age 70, a person can retire on 2 million dollars generating $147,000 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately.

Can I retire with 3 million dollars?

A person can retire with $3,000,000 saved. At age 60, a person can retire on 3 million dollars generating $183,000 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately. At age 65, a person can retire on 3 million dollars generating $201,900 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately. At age 70, a person can retire on 3 million dollars generating $220,500 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately.

Can I retire with 10 million dollars?

A person can retire with $10,000,000 saved. For example, at age 60, a person can retire on 10 million dollars generating $610,000 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately. At age 65, a person can retire on 10 million dollars generating $673,000 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately. At age 70, a person can retire on 10 million dollars generating $735,000 a year for the rest of their life starting immediately.

How long will my 401(k) last?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including how much you have saved and plan to withdraw each year. However, if you carefully withdraw and invest wisely, your 401(k) could last many years. This is because an annuity guarantees your life income, no matter how long you live or the markets perform.

How long will my IRA last?

Again, the answer to this question depends on several factors, including how much you have saved and how much you plan to withdraw each year. However, if you carefully withdraw and invest wisely, your IRA could last many years. An annuity guarantees your life income, no matter how long you live or the markets perform.

*Disclosure: Some of the links in this guide may be affiliate links. I may receive a commission at no cost if you purchase a policy. It helps us keep the lights on!

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

I’m a licensed financial professional focusing on annuities and insurance for more than a decade. My former role was training financial advisors, including for a Fortune Global 500 insurance company. I’ve been featured in Time Magazine, Yahoo! Finance, MSN, SmartAsset, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, The Simple Dollar, U.S. News and World Report, and Women’s Health Magazine.

The Annuity Expert is an online insurance agency servicing consumers across the United States. My goal is to help you take the guesswork out of retirement planning or find the best insurance coverage at the cheapest rates for you. 

Scroll to Top