Amount Calculator$500,000

How Long Will $500,000 Last in Retirement?

$500,000 is a major retirement milestone. Using the 4% safe withdrawal rate, $500k can provide $20,000/year indefinitely without depleting principal. At $5,000/month expenses, $500k lasts about 8+ years even without returns. Combined with Social Security, this can fund a comfortable 30+ year retirement.

Quick Answer

Based on typical monthly expenses

$500,000
Starting Savings
~100 months
At $5,000/mo
$30,000
6-Month Emergency Fund
Key Facts
4% rule: $20,000/year ($1,667/month) indefinitely
At $4,000/month expenses: ~125 months (10+ years)
At $5,000/month expenses: ~100 months (8+ years)
With Social Security: comfortable lifetime income
FIRE milestone for some frugal retirees
Geographic arbitrage: 20+ years abroad
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Expert Tips
1

$500k + Social Security = $38-42k/year - comfortable in most areas

2

The 4% rule is conservative - many retirees can safely withdraw 4.5-5%

3

Consider a bond tent: higher bond allocation early, more stocks later

4

Healthcare costs in retirement average $300k/couple - factor this in

5

Sequence of returns risk is highest early - keep 2-3 years in cash

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