I’m 61 and sick and tired of working. My wife and I have $1.5M saved. Is that enough to retire?

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial challenges faced by retirees, particularly focusing on Jim and Helen, who have $1.5 million in savings but may struggle to maintain their lifestyle in retirement due to rising costs and longevity risks [4][28][29] Retirement Planning - The average life expectancy for a 65-year-old woman in the U.S. is 20.12 years, while for a man it is 17.48 years, indicating that retirees need to plan for potentially long retirement periods [2] - The average retirement age has increased by three years since the 1990s, with nearly 20% of Americans aged 65 and older still employed as of 2024 [3] Financial Assessment - Jim and Helen's combined income before retirement was $300,000, and they have no debt, but their savings of $1.5 million are below the recommended target of 8 to 10 times their annual income, which would be between $2.4 million and $3 million [4][15] - If they withdraw 4% from their savings, they could expect about $60,000 annually, which is significantly lower than their current income [17] Budgeting and Cost Management - The article suggests that Jim and Helen should create a detailed retirement budget that includes healthcare, housing, and discretionary spending [24] - Tools like Rocket Money can help track expenses and identify areas for cost-cutting, which can be redirected into their retirement fund [19][20] Social Security Considerations - Claiming Social Security benefits at 62 results in a 30% reduction compared to waiting until full retirement age at 67, and delaying until 70 can yield even higher benefits [21] - Helen's decision to delay retirement could significantly enhance their income through Social Security benefits [22] Investment Strategies - Alternative assets, such as gold and commercial real estate, are highlighted as potential hedges against inflation and market volatility [6][11] - Investing in a gold IRA can provide tax benefits while protecting retirement funds from economic uncertainties [9] Conclusion - With careful planning and potentially one spouse continuing to work, Jim and Helen can transition into retirement with financial security [28][30]