Could $1 Million Last a Lifetime If You Retire at 39? Find Out

Key Takeaways Your withdrawal rate matters more than your balance. At 3%, $1 million has a strong chance of lasting 50-plus years; at 5%, you're gambling with your future. A growth-heavy portfolio's volatility may feel uncomfortable, but conservative investments that can't keep up with inflation pose a bigger threat over a 50-year horizon. The ability to cut spending during downturns, relocate to lower-cost areas, or earn side income often determines success more than whether you started with $1 mill ...