Can You Retire With $500k? Yes, If You Time Retirement Right (2024)

Regarding retirement planning, most people think you need a million dollars or more to retire comfortably. But what if we told you that you could retire with just $500,000? It may sound too good to be true, but it’s not! This guide will discuss how you can achieve a comfortable retirement lifestyle with just half a million dollars. So, whether you’re just starting your career or nearing retirement age, read for some valuable advice!

Table Of Contents

  1. Can I Retire With $500k? Is It Enough Money?
  2. How Long Will $500,000 Last In Retirement?
  3. How To Make $500k Last A Lifetime In Retirement, Guaranteed.
  4. Can I Retire On $500k Plus Social Security?
  5. How To Retire On $500K, Starting Immediately.
  6. Living Off The Interest On $500,000
  7. How Much Income Does $500,000 Generate?
  8. Why Use Annuities For Retirement?
  9. Keeping Up With Inflation
  10. Things To Consider When Retiring
  11. Next Steps
  12. Learn How To Retire On $500K Quotes.
  13. Frequently Asked Questions
  14. Retirement Income Guides

Can I Retire With $500k? Is It Enough Money?

Is half a million enough to retire on? The quick answer is “yes”! With some planning, you can retire comfortably with $500k. Remember, however, that your lifestyle will significantly affect how long your savings will last. For example, 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.

For help with budgeting, we recommend the following:

Can You Retire With $500k? Yes, If You Time Retirement Right (1)

How Long Will $500,000 Last In Retirement?

The 4% rule is a guideline often used by financial advisors to help clients plan for retirement. The 4% rule suggests that retirees can safely withdraw the amount equal to 4 percent of their savings during the year they retire and then adjust for inflation each subsequent year for 30 years.

The basic idea is that if you retire with $500,000 in assets, you should be able to withdraw $20,000 per year for 30 years (or longer).

However, this rule has been debunked in recent years, and the appropriate withdrawal rate is roughly 2.8%.

How To Make $500k Last A Lifetime In Retirement, Guaranteed.

The only way to guarantee you don’t run out of money in retirement is to purchase an annuity with a lifetime income rider. This will guarantee that you receive a certain amount of money each month for the rest of your life, no matter how long you live.

For example, if a 55-year-old person purchases a $500,000 annuity with a lifetime income rider and wants to retire in 10 years at age 65, that person would receive roughly $58,680 per year for the rest of their life. If you live for 30 years in retirement, you will receive $1.76 million in payments. When the annuity owner dies, the remaining balance passes down to beneficiaries in a lump sum.

Can I Retire On $500k Plus Social Security?

Yes, you can! The average monthly Social Security Income in 2021 is $1,543 per person. In the tables below, we’ll use an annuity with a lifetime income rider coupled with SSI to give you a better idea of the income you could receive from $500,000 in savings. The data will be based on the following:

How To Retire On $500K, Starting Immediately.

The table below illustrates how muchmonthly income can be generated immediatelywith a combination of annuity payments and Social Security Income (SSI).

ADDITIONAL READING:How Much Does A $500,000 Annuity Pay?

AgeSSIAnnuityTotal
62$3,086$2,646$5,732
65$3,086$2,804$5,890
70$3,086$3,063$6,149
Can You Retire With $500k? Yes, If You Time Retirement Right (2)

Living Off The Interest On $500,000

Some retirees like to withdraw interest from a fixed-interest savings account like afixed annuity or CD. For example, the interest onfive hundred thousand dollarsis$125,461 over seven yearswith afixed annuity,guaranteeing 3.25% annually.

Find all thecurrent fixed annuity rates here.

How Much Income Does $500,000 Generate?

For a person planning for the future, the following table will estimate how muchguaranteedincome a $500,000 annuity will pay outannually for the rest of a person’s life. The “Age” column is the age a person purchases the annuity with income starting now or in the future. Income amounts do not include Social Security.

AgeImmediatelyIn 5 YearsIn 10 yearsIn 20 Years
40$66,942
45$74,027
50$54,916$81,968
55$41,834$60,728$89,053
60$30,500$46,364$67,242
65$33,650$50,753$73,054
70$36,750$54,930$78,566
75$38,300$57,690

Why Use Annuities For Retirement?

Annuities are the only retirement plan in the United States that provides a guaranteed income for a lifetime, even if the plan runs out of money. As a result, the annuity is a money management tool in retirement, taking all the guesswork in budgeting your day-to-day expenses. By utilizing this financial plan, a retiree will never have toworry about running out of money.

Annuity Basics

Understanding Lifetime Income Riders

Keeping Up With Inflation

Some annuities offer a guaranteed lifetime income that can increase regularly to keep up with inflation. Once the income increases, the payment amount is locked in and can never go backward from that point forward.

Things To Consider When Retiring

Next Steps

Although saving for retirement can seem complicated, it is doable with some planning and self-discipline. And if you want to ensure you won’t outlive your savings, consider purchasing an annuity with a lifetime income rider. Contact us today for a quote, and let us help you get started on the road to a comfortable retirement. Thanks for reading!

Can You Retire With $500k? Yes, If You Time Retirement Right (3)

Learn How To Retire On $500K Quotes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retire at 55 with $500k?

Yes, retiring at 55 with $500,000 is feasible. An annuity can offer a lifetime guaranteed income of $24,688 per year or an initial $21,000 that increases over time to offset inflation. At 62, Social Security Benefits augment this income. Both options continue payouts even if the annuity depletes. Any remaining annuity funds are inherited by a chosen beneficiary upon the annuitant’s death.

Can I retire at 65 with $500K?

Retiring at 65 with $500,000 is possible. An annuity offers an annual income of $30,938 for life, or an adjustable income starting at $25,000 to counteract inflation. These payments, which start immediately, remain constant or gradually increase, providing a reliable income stream for the rest of your life.

Retirement Income Guides

*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!

Can You Retire With $500k? Yes, If You Time Retirement Right (2024)

FAQs

Can You Retire With $500k? Yes, If You Time Retirement Right? ›

Yes, retiring at 55 with $500,000 is feasible. An annuity can offer a lifetime guaranteed income of $24,688 per year or an initial $21,000 that increases over time to offset inflation. At 62, Social Security Benefits augment this income. Both options continue payouts even if the annuity depletes.

Is $500 000 in 401k enough to retire? ›

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 long will $500 K last in retirement? ›

Yes, you can retire at 55 with $500k. According to the 4% rule, if you retire with $500,000 in assets, you should be able to take $20,000/ yr for a 30-year or longer. Additionally, putting the money in an annuity will offer a guaranteed annual income of $24,688 to those retiring at 55.

Can I retire at 70 on $500 K? ›

The bottom line is that you can retire at 70 with $500k if you are comfortable with the resulting lifestyle. Your savings will provide you with approximately $20k per year, and the average Social Security benefit will add another $18k or so.

What is a good amount of money to retire with comfortably? ›

By age 50 : Aim to have five to six times your combined salary in retirement savings by the time you and your spouse are 50 years old. By age 60 : Aim to have seven to eight times your combined salary at 60 years old.

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

Average and median 401(k) balance by age
AgeAverage Account BalanceMedian Account Balance
35-44$97,020$36,117
45-54$179,200$61,530
55-64$256,244$89,716
65+$279,997$87,725
2 more rows
Jan 20, 2023

Can you retire with 500k plus Social Security? ›

Yes, retiring at 55 with $500,000 is feasible. An annuity can offer a lifetime guaranteed income of $24,688 per year or an initial $21,000 that increases over time to offset inflation. At 62, Social Security Benefits augment this income. Both options continue payouts even if the annuity depletes.

Can I retire at 72 with 500k? ›

If you retire with $500k in assets, the 4% rule says that you should be able to withdraw $20,000 per year for a 30-year (or longer) retirement. So, if you retire at 60, the money should ideally last through age 90. If 4% sounds too low to you, remember that you'll take an income that increases with inflation.

Can I retire at 60 with $600 K? ›

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.

How much does a $500000 annuity pay per month? ›

How much does a $500,000 annuity pay per month? A $500,000 annuity would pay you approximately $2,188 each month for the rest of your life if you purchased the annuity at age 60 and began taking payments immediately.

What is the average Social Security check? ›

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is $1,781.63 as of February. Several factors can drag that average up or down, but you have the most control over the biggest variable of all — the age that you decide to cash in.

How many Americans have 500k in savings? ›

In 2019, about 50% of households reported any savings in retirement accounts. Twenty-one percent had saved more than $100,000, and 7% had more than $500,000.

How many people make over $500 K? ›

The top 1% represents about 1.3 million households who roughly make more than $500,000 a year -- out of a total of almost 130 million. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a fraction of the population is at the core of some of the country's major political battles.

What is a realistic amount to retire on? ›

Some advisors recommend saving 12 times your annual salary. 12 Under this rule, a 66-year-old $100,000 per year earner would need $1.2 million at retirement.

How much does the average person retire with money? ›

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.

How much is really enough to retire? ›

The Final Multiple: 10-12 times your annual income at retirement age. If you plan to retire at 67, for instance, and your income is $150,000 per year, then you should have between $1.5 and $1.8 million set aside for retirement.

What is the average 401k balance for a 72 year old? ›

The average 401(k) balance by age
AgeAverage 401(k) balanceMedian 401(k) balance
50-55$161,869$43,395
55-60$199,743$55,464
60-65$198,194$53,300
65-70$185,858$43,152
5 more rows

What is the average 67 year old 401k balance? ›

Average 401(k) balance by age
AgeAverage balance
35 to 44$97,020
45 to 54$179,200
55 to 64$256,244
65 and older$279,997
2 more rows
May 8, 2023

What is a good amount of money to retire with at 65? ›

Use these insights to help determine whether your retirement plan is on the right track. Retirement experts have offered various rules of thumb about how much you need to save: somewhere near $1 million, 80% to 90% of your annual pre-retirement income, 12 times your pre-retirement salary.

What net worth is considered rich in retirement? ›

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.

How much Social Security will I get if I earn $100000 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.

How many people have $1000000 in savings? ›

In fact, statistically, around 10% of retirees have $1 million or more in savings.

How to retire at 62 with no savings? ›

How To Retire With No Savings
  1. Make Every Dollar Count — and Count Every Dollar. ...
  2. Downsize Your House — and Your Life. ...
  3. Pick Your Next Location With Savings in Mind. ...
  4. Or, Stay Where You Are and Trade Your Equity for Income. ...
  5. Get the Most Out of Healthcare Savings Programs. ...
  6. Delay Retirement — and Social Security.
Mar 17, 2023

How much money should a 70-year-old have to retire? ›

How Much Should a 70-Year-Old Have in Savings? Financial experts generally recommend saving anywhere from $1 million to $2 million for retirement. If you consider an average retirement savings of $426,000 for those in the 65 to 74-year-old range, the numbers obviously don't match up.

Is $2 m enough to retire at 65? ›

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.

Is $2 m enough to retire at 62? ›

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.

Is $1 m enough to retire at 60? ›

So, can you retire at 60 with $1 million, and what would that look like? It's certainly possible to retire comfortably in this scenario. But it's wise to review your spending needs, taxes, health care, and other factors as you prepare for your retirement years.

How much does a $500 000 annuity pay per year? ›

A $500,000 annuity would pay $29,519.92 per year in interest, or $2,395.83 per month if you prefer to set up systemetic withdrawals of interest. These payments assume a guaranteed interest rate of 5.75%. Fixed annuities pay a specified interest rate for a set period of time.

What monthly income can I get for $100000 annuity? ›

How much does a $100,000 annuity pay per month? Our data revealed that a $100,000 annuity would pay between $448 and $1,524 monthly for life if you use a lifetime income rider. The payments are based on the age you buy the annuity contract and the time before taking the money.

How much does a 1.5 million dollar annuity pay? ›

Based on those factors, some annuity contracts will pay you $29,624 per month for the rest of your life once you begin collecting on that contract. Or, say you change the factors slightly: Payment: Lump sum up front. Date of purchase: 30 years in advance of annuitization.

What is the highest Social Security check? ›

In 2023, the average senior on Social Security collects $1,827 a month. But you may be eligible for a lot more money than that. In fact, some seniors this year are looking at a monthly benefit of $4,555, which is the maximum Social Security will pay. Here's how to score a benefit that high.

What is the most Social Security check? ›

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.

What is highest monthly check from Social Security? ›

The most an individual who files a claim for Social Security retirement benefits in 2023 can receive per month is:
  • $2,572 for someone who files at 62.
  • $3,627 for someone who files at full retirement age (66 and 4 months for people born in 1956, 66 and 6 months for people born in 1957).

How many Americans have $2 million in savings? ›

As of the end of 2020, there were nearly 22 million people in the US who had a net worth of $2 million or more.

How many Americans have no savings? ›

At least 53% of Americans admit they don't have an emergency fund, according to a recent poll conducted by CNBC and Momentive. That figure skyrockets to at least 74% for those with a household income below $50,000 per year.

How much money does the average person have in their bank account? ›

In terms of median values, the 2019 figure of $5,300 is 10.65% higher than the 2016 median balance of $4,790. Transaction accounts provide account owners with immediate access to cash. They include savings, checking, money market, prepaid debit cards and call accounts.

What is considered upper middle class? ›

Many have graduate degrees with educational attainment serving as the main distinguishing feature of this class. Household incomes commonly exceed $100,000, with some smaller one-income earners household having incomes in the high 5-figure range.

What is the top 1 of income in the US? ›

Households need an annual gross income of $597,815 to be considered the highest-earning 1% in the US. The threshold to make the 1% of top earners varies drastically by state.

Is a net worth of $500 000 good? ›

To be in the richest 20% of the US population, you need a household net worth of nearly $500,000. It can be helpful to see how your net worth compares with others', broken down by age. For example, the richest 20% of 41- to 45-year-olds are worth at least $379,000. Find a financial planner near you with Smart Advisor.

What percentage of Americans have $500000 in retirement? ›

How much do people save for retirement? In 2019, about 50% of households reported any savings in retirement accounts. Twenty-one percent had saved more than $100,000, and 7% had more than $500,000.

What is a good amount to retire with 401k? ›

By age 50, you should have six times your salary in an account. By age 60, you should have eight times your salary working for you. By age 67, your total savings total goal is 10 times the amount of your current annual salary. So, for example, if you're earning $75,000 per year, you should have $750,000 saved.

What percentage of people have 500000? ›

In other words, 50% of the population has a net worth below that threshold, and 50% has a net worth above it. People in the richest 20% are worth at least $500,000, according to Harness Wealth's data.

What does the average American retire with? ›

The national average for retirement savings varies depending on age, but according to the Economic Policy Institute, the median retirement savings for all working age households in the US is around $95,776. This figure includes both employer-sponsored retirement accounts and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

What does the average person retire with? ›

The average retirement savings by age is: Under 35: $30,170. 35-44: $131,950. 45-54: $254,720.

How much do I need in 401k to get $2000 a month? ›

To get approximately $2,000 per month from your 401k when you retire, you'll need to have saved around $800,000. To reach this goal, you must start saving as early as possible, contribute as much as possible to your 401k each year, and consistently invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds.

Can I retire at 62 with $400 000 in 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 average 401k balance in 2023? ›

But still, it's a good idea to kick off retirement with a robust nest egg. So you might be wondering whether you're on track to do that. Image source: Getty Images. The average 401(k) plan balance as of March 2023 was $78,800, according to Bank of America.

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.

Do most Americans have enough money to retire? ›

The percentage of non-retired Americans nearing retirement age (60-67 years old) who said they have enough money to retire was just 24%, a slight uptick from 22% in 2022.

Does net worth include home? ›

However, one measure that many overlook is net worth. Your net worth represents how much wealth you have, measured by assets like a house, cars, 401(k), jewelry or cash in the bank, minus the debt obligations you have, or what you owe.

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