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Is $2.5 Million Really Enough to Retire?

A retirement nest egg of $2.5 million can likely produce an annual income of $100,000 for as long as you are likely to live. This is using the 4% withdrawal rate many financial advisors consider standard. After starting with the first withdrawal of 4% of the total, the annual withdrawal will adjust for inflation. For example, if inflation runs at the target 2% rate of federal policymakers, during retirement the retiree will withdraw:

^$100,000

in the first year

^$102,000

in the second year

^$104,040

in the third year and so on …

According to this model and conventional wisdom, a 4% withdrawal rate will allow a portfolio to last for at least 30 years. This would permit a 65-year-old retiree to maintain consistent purchasing power until age 95 and beyond.

For most retirees, this will likely be adequate to maintain a satisfying standard of living. Only about 3% of 2,000 retirees surveyed by the Employee Benefit Research Institute in 2022 spent $7,000 or more per month, equivalent to $84,000 in annual spending.

This model does not include a number of other factors. For instance, nearly all retirees are eligible for Social Security. For 2023, the maximum monthly Social Security benefit for people who claim benefits at full retirement age is $3,627. That’s equal to more than half the spending of the top 3% of retirees surveyed by EBRI. And, like the standard withdrawal rate, Social Security benefits are indexed to inflation.

5 Variables for Retiring With $2.5 Million at Age 65

While $2.5 million could seem like enough to retire at 65, many factors could change the outlook.

1. Unexpected Healthcare Costs

The Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate suggests an average 65-year-old couple could need (approximate, after taxes):

This assumes both spouses are enrolled in traditional Medicare, which between Medicare Part A and Part B covers expenses such as hospital stays, doctor visits and services, physical therapy, lab tests and more, and in Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs.

This figure does not include long-term care (“custodial care”), most dental care, eye exams and more, so your estimated healthcare costs in retirement could be considerably more.

2. Inflation

Inflation can powerfully influence retirees’ financial well-being. When inflation occurs, it reduces the purchasing power of money withdrawn from your retirement account. You can increase withdrawals to maintain purchasing power, but this risks more quickly depleting your savings.

3. Market Downturns

Inflation isn’t the only cause of market downturns. Business cycles and financial crises can exaggerate normal fluctuations in stock market valuations. If you’re selling investments to generate income for living expenses, you may want to sell more if valuations are down.

4. Longevity

While living a long life is positive, you could outlive the money you’ve saved for retirement. Many financial planners use life expectancy to age 95 or 100 when developing plans for funding retirement.

The Social Security Administration says an average 65-year-old male can live to age 83, while the average woman can live to age 86. However, people in their 80s and 90s also generally reduce their spending, with the exception of healthcare costs.

5. Estate Planning

Retiring at 65 with $2.5 million likely involved generating high income and savings, so there’s a chance you could have assets to pass on. With estate planning, adding members of your family as beneficiaries for homes you paid off with a mortgage may have long-term positives.

You may also want to think about any additional income streams. For example, if you own a medical practice or business, you may want to add your family as a beneficiary so they can decide to keep the business running or sell it.

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource

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Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, iMBA, Inc., Investing, LifeStyle, Retirement and Benefits | Tagged: EBRI, elderly, estate, Estate Planning, healthcare costs, Investing, Medicare A, Medicare B, Medicare C, Medicare D, retirement, retirement planning | Leave a comment »