3 Ways to Live Off Interest - wikiHow (2024)

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1Making an Investment Strategy

2Getting an Annuity

3Earning Interest to Cover Certain Expenses

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Article Summary

Co-authored byJonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF®

Last Updated: August 6, 2022References

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With careful planning, it is possible to live off the interest from your investments. The more money that you can invest upfront, the more interest you will be able to collect as income. If you can't live entirely off of your interest earnings, you may be able to collect enough from small scale investments to cover some living expenses.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making an Investment Strategy

  1. 1

    Earn enough money to live off of interest. First, calculate your current expenses and you desired expenses. Factor in for the amount of money you see yourself needing yearly for the foreseeable future. Once you've calculated your average yearly expense from now until you're finished living off interest, calculate the percentage of your savings that you expect to make each year.

    • Finally, divide your yearly expense by the percent that you'll earn. So if you expect to live off of 50k per year and make 8%, you need 625,000 to get started (50,000/.08=625,000).
  2. 2

    Create an investment plan. Taking your salary and expenses into account, make a plan for earning and investing money. Look at your monthly income and necessary expenditures, such as rent and utility bills, to see how much money you can spare for investments. Decide how much money you will invest each month, and how much you will keep for travel, entertainment, and other indulgences.[1]

    • Make sure to calculate how much money you can safely withdraw without affecting the amount of interest you'll earn.[2]
    • Plan to re-invest some of your returns each year in order to keep up with the rising cost of living.[3]
    • To live off interest, you'll likely need to save up 25-30x your current annual expenses.[4]

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  3. 3

    Consult with a financial advisor. Setting up your investments so that you can live off interest requires careful planning, which will be made easier with the help of an expert. Visit with a financial advisor who can provide advice about your savings and investment choices. You can find a financial advisor through your bank, insurance company, or an independent financial consulting company.[5]

  4. 4

    Make investments that will pay off at different times of the year. To ensure that you can live off interest year-round, build a portfolio with a mix of trusts, funds, and other income-paying investments. Choose investments that pay dividends at different points of the year so that your earnings will be spread out. This will not guarantee even payments throughout the year, but it will ensure that you have income to live off of.[6]

  5. 5

    Sell off bad investments. It is not prudent to hold onto investments that bring you big losses in the hope that they will improve. Sell bad investments to strengthen your overall portfolio. Avoid holding on to investments for reasons of loyalty or sentimentality (e.g. your company's stock, or stock you once thought had great promise.)[7]

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting an Annuity

  1. 1

    Purchase an immediate annuity to get income right away. An annuity is essentially an insurance contract that guarantees that you will have money throughout your retirement. For a lump sum you can get an immediate annuity, which will generate payments right away. The payments received will depend on the lump sum you invest, current inflation rates, and your age.[8]

    • Ask an agent form your insurance company to outline your annuity options to invest your savings wisely.
    • These payments can be received monthly, quarterly, or annually.
    • You can choose to get payments up until a certain age, or until death.
    • For older people, the annual payout of an immediate annuity can be as high as 10%.[9]
  2. 2

    Get a deferred annuity if you are still years away from retirement. if you do not need to earn an income from interest right away, opt for a deferred annuity. This will give you time to invest tax deferred money from each paycheck while you are working, which will grow tax free for you to collect, in regular payments, starting at a later date. See what deferred annuity options your insurance company offers to start building your financial security as early as possible.[10]

    • Contributions to your deferred annuity do not have to happen at regular intervals or in equal amounts. There is no yearly contribution limit so you can invest large sums whenever you want to have them build interest, tax free.
  3. 3

    Choose a variable income annuity to diversify your investment. With a variable annuity, the money you invest will be split between different bonds, stocks, according to your risk level and preferences. There is a minimum income generated, which depends on variables like your age and the nature of the investments you've chosen. Ask your insurance provider about setting up a variable income annuity if you want your investment to be split into several subgroups with multiple opportunities for growth.[11]

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Earning Interest to Cover Certain Expenses

  1. 1

    Sign up for a high yield online savings account to earn 1% interest. Online savings accounts can offer interest rates of 1% or more since they don't have to maintain branch locations. Transfer money from your regular savings account into one of these high yield accounts, or save money gradually with each paycheck. Depending on how much you save, your interest money could cover certain living expenses like groceries or utilities.[12]

  2. 2

    Get a credit card that offers cash-back on your purchases. Cash-back credit cards can offer up to a 5% return on your total purchases in cash or gift cards of equivalent value. Using these cards to pay for everyday expenses is a good way to yield money without any extra effort or risk. Speak to a representative at your bank or credit card company to find a card that will yield you the biggest cash benefits.[13]

    • Be sure to read the fine print on your credit card agreement before signing up for a new card.
    • Some cards may have a limit for yearly cash-back earnings.
    • Certain cards only offer cash-back for specific categories of purchases, such as restaurants or gas stations.
  3. 3

    Buy U.S. treasury bonds to earn interest bi-annually. Investing with the government treasury is entirely safe and the interest that you yield will be exempt from state and municipal taxes. Interest is paid every 6 months at a fixed rate. Purchase treasury bonds directly through the U.S. Treasury website at https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/products/prod_tbonds_glance.htm.

    • Treasury bonds have maturities of 30 years, but they can be sold before then.
    • Interest earned on treasury bonds is still subject to federal taxation.
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  • Question

    How can I retire solely off the returns from an investment?

    3 Ways to Live Off Interest - wikiHow (14)

    Jonathan DeYoe is a Financial Advisor and the CEO of Mindful Money, a comprehensive financial planning and retirement income planning service based in Berkeley, California. With over 25 years of financial advising experience, Jonathan is a speaker and the best-selling author of "Mindful Money: Simple Practices for Reaching Your Financial Goals and Increasing Your Happiness Dividend." Jonathan holds a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Montana State University-Bozeman. He studied Financial Analysis at the CFA Institute and earned his Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) designation from The Investments & Wealth Institute. He also earned his Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) credential from Fi360. Jonathan has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Money Tips, Mindful Magazine, and Business Insider among others.

    3 Ways to Live Off Interest - wikiHow (15)

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    Plan to leave some of the interest in your portfolio each year. For instance, if you make 6%, you might spend 4% but leave 2% in the portfolio to grow. If you spend it all, you're going to eventually have to dip into your principal to keep up with rising cost of living.

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      References

      1. https://www.financialsamurai.com/how-to-build-passive-income-for-financial-independence/
      2. Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF®. Author, Speaker, & CEO of Mindful Money. Expert Interview. 15 October 2020.
      3. Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF®. Author, Speaker, & CEO of Mindful Money. Expert Interview. 15 October 2020.
      4. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/27/how-to-figure-out-how-much-money-you-need-to-retire-early.html
      5. https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/savings-investments/choose-financial-advisor.html
      6. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/investing/funds/make-investments-pay-monthly-salary/
      7. https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-smarter-mutual-fund-investor/2012/06/05/avoiding-common-investing-mistakes-
      8. https://www.forbes.com/sites/feeonlyplanner/2015/07/15/annuities-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/#6c2089c47990
      9. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/low-interest-rates-make-immediate-annuities-attractive-2015-11-04

      More References (4)

      About This Article

      3 Ways to Live Off Interest - wikiHow (29)

      Co-authored by:

      Financial Advisor

      This article was co-authored by Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF®. Jonathan DeYoe is a Financial Advisor and the CEO of Mindful Money, a comprehensive financial planning and retirement income planning service based in Berkeley, California. With over 25 years of financial advising experience, Jonathan is a speaker and the best-selling author of "Mindful Money: Simple Practices for Reaching Your Financial Goals and Increasing Your Happiness Dividend." Jonathan holds a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Montana State University-Bozeman. He studied Financial Analysis at the CFA Institute and earned his Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) designation from The Investments & Wealth Institute. He also earned his Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) credential from Fi360. Jonathan has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Money Tips, Mindful Magazine, and Business Insider among others. This article has been viewed 62,655 times.

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      Co-authors: 9

      Updated: August 6, 2022

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      Article SummaryX

      If you want to live off of interest, you will need to create an investment strategy in which you determine how much money you can afford to invest each month. Make an appointment with a financial adviser who can provide you with advice about your savings and investment choices. Choose investments that pay dividends at different points of the year so that your earnings will be spread out. If you need payments right away, you can use a lump sum to purchase an immediate annuity. If you want to learn more, like how to sell off bad investments, keep reading the article!

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      3 Ways to Live Off Interest - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      Is $2.5 million enough to retire? ›

      Retiring at 55 with $2.5 million is certainly feasible, as evidenced by the fact that this is far more than the vast majority of people have when they stop working. Only about 1 in 10 retirees have even $1 million saved, according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

      How do you live off just interest? ›

      There are a few different ways to invest your money to earn interest and live off of that income. The most popular investments are bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and annuities. The interest that you'll earn will depend on the amount of money you have in your account when you go to live off of that interest.

      Can I live off the interest of $100000? ›

      Interest on $100,000

      If you only have $100,000, it is not likely you will be able to live off interest by itself. Even with a well-diversified portfolio and minimal living expenses, this amount is not high enough to provide for most people.

      Can you live off the interest of 3 million dollars? ›

      Living off the interest of $3 million is possible when you diversify your portfolio and pick the right investments. Here are six common investments and expected income for each year: Savings and money market accounts. Savings accounts are one of the most liquid places to hold your money besides a checking account.

      Can I retire at 60 with 4 million dollars? ›

      Is $4 million enough to retire at 60? Yes, you can retire at 60 with four million dollars. At age 60, an annuity will provide a guaranteed level income of $244,000 annually starting immediately for the rest of the insured's lifetime.

      Can I retire at 67 with $2 million dollars? ›

      Yes, for some people, $2 million should be more than enough to retire. For others, $2 million may not even scratch the surface. The answer depends on your personal situation and there are lot of challenges you'll face. As of 2023, it seems the number of obstacles to a successful retirement continues to grow.

      Can I retire on $500 K plus Social Security? ›

      Can I Retire On $500k Plus Social Security? Yes, you can! The average monthly Social Security Income in 2021 is $1,543 per person.

      How many people have $3,000,000 in savings? ›

      1,821,745 Households in the United States Have Investment Portfolios Worth $3,000,000 or More.

      Can I retire at 45 with $3 million dollars? ›

      You can probably retire in financial comfort at age 45 if you have $3 million in savings. Although it's much younger than most people retire, that much money can likely generate adequate income for as long as you live.

      Can I retire at 55 with $2 million? ›

      Yes, you can retire at 55 with 2 million dollars. At age 55, an annuity will provide a guaranteed income of $130,000 annually, starting immediately for the rest of the insured's lifetime. The income will stay the same and never decrease.

      How long will $2 million last in retirement? ›

      A retirement account with $2 million should be enough to make most people comfortable. With an average income, you can expect it to last 35 years or more. However, everyone's retirement expectations and needs are different.

      Can you retire $1.5 million comfortably? ›

      Yes, you can retire at 60 with $1.5 million. At age 60, an annuity will provide a guaranteed income of $91,500 annually, starting immediately for the rest of the insured's lifetime.

      Is $5 million enough to retire at 65? ›

      While there are a few questions you'll need to answer before you can know definitively, the quick answer is that you can certainly retire on $5 million at age 65. Though you may have to make some adjustments, depending on your lifestyle.

      Is $3 million enough to retire at 65? ›

      To some people, $3 million will sound like a lot. You probably think $3 million is enough to retire if you're among that crowd. But retiring with $3 million at 65 can last depending on your longevity, lifestyle and other factors.

      Is $30 million dollars rich? ›

      Ultra-high-net-worth individuals are defined in the report as having a net worth of at least US$30 million in investible assets net of liabilities (after deducting residential and passion investments such as art, planes, yachts and personal real estate).

      Can 10 million dollars last a lifetime? ›

      Yes, $10 million dollars can last a lifetime, even with the most risk-free investments. The important thing is not to spend more each year than your income for the year.

      What age can you retire with $3 million? ›

      Some retirement planners say the new rule of thumb is $3 million for retirement but is this true. You may be able to retire on $3 million if you know where to invest your money.
      ...
      Retire At Age 65 With $3 Million.
      Annuity Purchase DateAnnual Income At 65
      Age 50$443,287
      Age 55$364,369
      2 more rows

      How long will $5 million last in retirement? ›

      While the cost of living varies from place to place, a nest egg this size would likely give more than enough money for decades of comfortable living. Even if you live another 50 years, $5 million in savings would allow you to live on $100,000 per year.

      What is the average 401k balance at age 50? ›

      Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. An employer-sponsored 401(k) plan is your best tool for retirement investing.
      ...
      Fidelity Average 401(k) Balances by Age.
      AgeAverage 401k BalanceMedian 401k Balance
      20-29$12,800$4,600
      30-39$43,100$16,200
      40-49$100,300$32,100
      50-59$175,400$53,400

      What percentage of US population has $2 million dollars? ›

      Additionally, statistics show that the top 2% of the United States population has a net worth of about $2.4 million. On the other hand, the top 5% wealthiest Americans have a net worth of just over $1 million. Therefore, about 2% of the population possesses enough wealth to meet the current definition of being rich.

      How much Social Security will I get if I make 100k a year? ›

      If your highest 35 years of indexed earnings averaged out to $100,000, your AIME would be roughly $8,333. If you add all three of these numbers together, you would arrive at a PIA of $2,893.11, which equates to about $34,717.32 of Social Security benefits per year at full retirement age.

      What is the highest Social Security payment? ›

      The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2023, your maximum benefit would be $3,627. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2023, your maximum benefit would be $2,572.

      How much Social Security will I get if I make $120000 a year? ›

      The point is that if you earned $120,000 per year for the past 35 years, thanks to the annual maximum taxable wage limits, the maximum Social Security benefit you could get at full retirement age is $2,687.

      Do high earners get more Social Security? ›

      Social Security benefits are based on the earnings on which people pay Social Security payroll taxes. The higher their earnings (up to a maximum taxable amount, $160,200 in 2023), the higher their benefit.

      How many people inherit $1 million dollars? ›

      Only 3% of American millionaires received an inheritance of $1 million or above. Real estate makes up about 40% of a typical millionaire's net worth.

      What net worth is considered rich? ›

      You might need $5 million to $10 million to qualify as having a very high net worth while it may take $30 million or more to be considered ultra-high net worth. That's how financial advisors typically view wealth.

      What is the average age of millionaires? ›

      How old is the average millionaire? The average millionaire is 57 years old. This is because it takes smart financial decisions, hard work, and wise investments to become a millionaire, most of which don't fully pay off until around the age of 50 or 60.

      At what age can I retire with $1 million dollars? ›

      $1 million doesn't go nearly as far in retirement as it once did. In fact, a recent survey found that investors believe they'll need at least $3 million to retire comfortably. But retiring with $1 million is still possible, even as early as age 55, if you're smart about it.

      Can I retire at any age with 1 million dollars? ›

      Will $1 million still be enough to have a comfortable retirement then? It's definitely possible, but there are several factors to consider—including cost of living, the taxes you'll owe on your withdrawals, and how you want to live in retirement—when thinking about how much money you'll need to retire in the future.

      Can I retire at 67 with $1 million dollars? ›

      A recent analysis determined that a $1 million retirement nest egg may only last about 20 years depending on what state you live in. Based on this, if you retire at age 65 and live until you turn 84, $1 million will probably be enough retirement savings for you.

      How much do most people retire with? ›

      The Federal Reserve's most recent data reveals that the average American has $65,000 in retirement savings. By their retirement age, the average is estimated to be $255,200.

      Why saving 10% won't get you through retirement? ›

      Mathematically, 10% Just Isn't Enough

      By saving 10%, your money would need to grow at a rate of 6.7% a year for you to retire 40 years from when you start. In order to retire early, after 30 years of contributing, you would need an unrealistically high rate of return of 10.3%.

      How much does a $2 million annuity pay per month? ›

      A $2 million could pay approximately $10,000 to $20,000 monthly, depending on your contract and what age you purchase the policy. However, these are ballpark figures, and your individual payout can vary broadly.

      What's a good retirement nest egg? ›

      There's no single correct amount to save for retirement. For example, a $500,000 nest egg may be a good amount, but some retirees may be able to live on less than that. Others may need more, depending on where they live and how many dependents they have.

      Can my wife and I retire on 2 million dollars? ›

      Can a couple retire with $2 million? It's certainly possible, though it really comes down to creating a retirement savings plan that's tailored to you and your partner.

      How many people saved $1000000 for retirement? ›

      The number of 401(k) accounts with at least $1 million in retirement savings fell 32% last year, to 299,000, from 442,000 in 2021, according to new data from Fidelity Investments.

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

      Yes, you can retire at 62 with four hundred thousand dollars. At age 62, an annuity will provide a guaranteed level income of $25,400 annually starting immediately for the rest of the insured's lifetime. The income will stay the same and never decrease.

      What is the Social Security 5 year rule? ›

      You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five of the last 10 years. • If you also get a pension from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (e.g., a civil service or teacher's pension), your Social Security benefit might be reduced.

      How much money do you need to retire with $100000 a year income? ›

      This means that if you make $100,000 shortly before retirement, you can start to plan using the ballpark expectation that you'll need about $75,000 a year to live on in retirement. You'll likely need less income in retirement than during your working years because: Most people spend less in retirement.

      At what age can you retire with 500k? ›

      With some planning, you can retire at 60 with $500k. Remember, however, that your lifestyle will significantly affect how long your savings will last. If you're content to live modestly and don't plan on significant life changes (like travel or starting a business), you can make your $500k last much longer.

      How much money does the average 65 year old retire with? ›

      Suggested savings: The general guidelines recommend having eight times your annual salary saved by 60. The median income for a 55-year-old is about $57,500, which means having $460,000 saved for retirement. The average savings for those 55-65 is $197,322.

      Do most retirees have a million dollars? ›

      Putting that much aside could make it easier to live your preferred lifestyle when you retire, without having to worry about running short of money. However, not a huge percentage of retirees end up having that much money. In fact, statistically, around 10% of retirees have $1 million or more in savings.

      How much do I need to retire if my house is paid off? ›

      One rule of thumb is that you'll need 70% of your pre-retirement yearly salary to live comfortably. That might be enough if you've paid off your mortgage and are in excellent health when you kiss the office good-bye.

      What is a safe retirement net worth? ›

      There are actually several rules of thumb when it comes to saving for retirement. The most common, though, is somewhere near $1 million. Other experts suggest that you'll 80% to 90% of your pre-retirement income or 12 times your salary before retiring.

      What percent of Americans have over $10 million? ›

      Around 1,456,336 households in America have $10 million or more in net worth. That's 1.13% of American households.

      Am I millionaire if I have $1 million in assets? ›

      A net-worth millionaire is someone who has a net worth of at least $1,000,000. Net worth is a fancy way to say 'what you own minus what you owe. ' If that amount ends up being $1,000,000+, you're a net-worth millionaire."

      Does high net worth include 401k? ›

      Do you include a 401(k) in a net worth calculation? All of your retirement accounts are included as assets in your net worth calculation. That includes 401(k)s, IRAs and taxable savings accounts.

      How long will 2.5 million last in retirement? ›

      The Bottom Line

      With an average income, you can expect it to last 35 years or more. However, everyone's retirement expectations and needs are different.

      Can you live your life with $2 million dollars? ›

      Assuming you will need $80,000 annually to cover your basic living expenses, your $2 million would last for 25 years without inflation. However, if inflation averaged 3% annually, your $2 million would only last for 20 years.

      What will $2 million get you in retirement? ›

      Following the 4 percent rule for retirement spending, $2 million could provide about $80,000 per year. That's more than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average 65-year-old spends roughly $4,345 per month in retirement — or $52,141 per year.

      Can I retire at 40 with $3 million dollars? ›

      You can retire at the age of 40 with three million dollars. If you get an immediate annuity, you will receive $165,078 yearly for the rest of your life.

      At what age can you retire with $1 million dollars? ›

      $1 million doesn't go nearly as far in retirement as it once did. In fact, a recent survey found that investors believe they'll need at least $3 million to retire comfortably. But retiring with $1 million is still possible, even as early as age 55, if you're smart about it.

      What net worth is wealthy? ›

      You might need $5 million to $10 million to qualify as having a very high net worth while it may take $30 million or more to be considered ultra-high net worth. That's how financial advisors typically view wealth.

      What is considered rich in USA? ›

      Based on that figure, an annual income of $500,000 or more would make you rich. The Economic Policy Institute uses a different baseline to determine who constitutes the top 1% and the top 5%. For 2021, you're in the top 1% if you earn $819,324 or more each year. The top 5% of income earners make $335,891 per year.

      How many white millionaires are there? ›

      Specifically, Black people represent 8% of total millionaires in the U.S., 76% are white, 8% are Asian, and the Hispanic community captures 7% of the total millionaire population across the country.

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