How Long Will $750,000 Last in Retirement?

How Long Will $750,000 Last in Retirement?

Retirement planning can be a critical part of your financial journey, and one of the most common questions is how long your savings will last. If you have $750,000 saved for retirement, the answer depends on several important factors including your annual expenses, lifestyle choices, investment returns, and inflation.

The 4 Percent Rule

A widely used guideline in retirement planning is the 4 percent rule. This rule suggests you can withdraw 4 percent of your retirement savings each year, adjusted for inflation, and expect your money to last about 30 years. Based on this rule, withdrawing 4 percent from $750,000 would give you $30,000 per year.¹

If your living expenses are close to or below that amount, and you have other sources of income like Social Security or a pension, your savings could last through a typical retirement.

Spending and Lifestyle

Your personal spending habits play a major role. If you live in a high-cost area or travel frequently, $30,000 a year may not be enough. On the other hand, living in a lower-cost area or simplifying your lifestyle can stretch your savings much further.²

Investment Returns and Inflation

Keeping your money invested during retirement can help extend how long it lasts. Earning an average return of 5 to 6 percent annually can preserve your savings even as you make regular withdrawals. However, market downturns early in retirement can shorten the life of your portfolio, so it’s important to have a balanced investment strategy.³

Additional Income Sources

Many retirees do not rely solely on savings. Social Security benefits, part-time work, or rental income can reduce how much you need to withdraw from your nest egg. For example, if you receive $20,000 a year from Social Security, you would only need to withdraw $10,000 from your savings to reach a $30,000 yearly income, making your money last much longer.⁴

Conclusion

With careful planning, $750,000 can last 25 to 30 years or more in retirement. Your actual results will depend on how much you spend, how your investments perform, and whether you have other income. A personalized retirement plan created with a financial advisor can help ensure your savings support the retirement lifestyle you want.

References

1. Weintraub, E. (2023, March 6). What is the 4% rule for retirement? Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/four-percent-rule-retirement/
2. Fidelity. (2024, November 25). How much will you spend in retirement? Fidelity Viewpoints. https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/spending-in-retirement
3. Investopedia. (2025, June). Should you invest in the market during retirement? Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/should-you-invest-in-the-market-during-retirement-11714012
4. Mira Norian. (2025, April 1). Balancing work and wealth: The financial impact of earning in retirement. Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/financial-impact-of-working-in-retirement-11693351