$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.
Based on typical monthly expenses
Account for rising costs (3.1% annually)
$500k + Social Security = $38-42k/year - comfortable in most areas
The 4% rule is conservative - many retirees can safely withdraw 4.5-5%
Consider a bond tent: higher bond allocation early, more stocks later
Healthcare costs in retirement average $300k/couple - factor this in
Sequence of returns risk is highest early - keep 2-3 years in cash