I’m 41 and on track to have a $6M nest egg by 55 even if I quit saving today. How do I know when it’s safe to stop?
Yahoo Finance·2025-10-07 13:00

Core Insights - Janice is projected to have a retirement portfolio worth $6 million by age 55, allowing for annual withdrawals of $240,000 based on the 4% rule [1][4] - Her portfolio is diversified with a mix of stocks and bonds, yielding approximately 6% annually [1] - Janice is healthy, debt-free, and has set aside an emergency fund along with a health savings account for future medical expenses [1] Lifestyle Aspirations - Janice envisions a retirement filled with travel, maintaining her current lifestyle, and pursuing hobbies [2] - She plans for long weekends in wine country, a small vacation home, and occasional indulgences in dining and entertainment [2] - Additionally, she wishes to leave a financial legacy for her family [2] Financial Considerations - Janice is contemplating whether to continue contributing to her retirement plan, as she appears on track for a comfortable retirement [3] - Experts advise caution regarding halting contributions, given the potential risks associated with market fluctuations, rising inflation, and unexpected expenses [4] - A $6 million portfolio could sustain her desired lifestyle, but unforeseen costs could impact her savings [5] Risks and Scenarios - If the market experiences a 20% drop post-retirement, continued withdrawals could deplete her nest egg more rapidly, potentially forcing her to reduce spending or tap into other savings by year 20 [6] - Rising healthcare costs or an economic downturn could also threaten the longevity of her portfolio [5][6] - Inflation exceeding projections could diminish her purchasing power, necessitating careful budgeting to maintain her lifestyle [6]