'I Am 43 With $1.8 Million — Can I Retire At 50 With $5 Million?'

Core Insights - The article discusses the feasibility of turning $1.8 million into $5 million by age 50 through strategic investments and contributions to retirement funds [3][4][7]. Investment Strategy - Investing in an S&P 500 index fund, which has historically provided an average annual return of approximately 10% since 1928, is suggested as a starting point [3][6]. - To reach the $5 million goal by age 50, an annual contribution of $100,000 is required alongside the 10% return, which may not be feasible for most individuals [4][5]. Alternative Scenarios - If the annual contribution is reduced to $50,000, the projected total at age 50 would be $4.4 million, necessitating a higher average annual return of 11.8% to meet the $5 million target [5][6]. - Achieving an 11.8% return could involve investing in riskier assets, such as small-cap stocks, which have historically returned 11.7% annually [6]. Realistic Goals - A more attainable approach would be to aim for retirement at age 54 or 55, with an average annual return of 8% and a contribution of $20,000, resulting in approximately $5.3 million by age 55 [7][9]. - A detailed table illustrates the growth of savings over the years, showing how contributions and market gains accumulate [9][10].