Timofey Zadvornov from Getty Images and Kaboompics.com from Pexels Key Points A 55-year-old retiree with $2.5M can safely withdraw around $92,500 annually based on the revised 3.7% withdrawal rate. Experts lowered the safe withdrawal rate from 4% to 3.7% due to longer lifespans and lower projected future returns. Even conservative withdrawal rates often result in portfolio decline over time due to market downturns and inflation adjustments. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, ...

Core Insights - Many pre-retirees and current retirees fear running out of money too soon, which is a valid concern given the general trend of insufficient retirement savings among Americans [2][7] - Social Security benefits only replace about 40% of pre-retirement income, which is inadequate for maintaining living standards, especially with rising healthcare costs as individuals age [2][6][7] Retirement Funding Strategies - One potential strategy for funding retirement is purchasing an annuity, which can provide a stable income and reduce reliance on stock market performance [4][5] - Annuities grow on a tax-deferred basis, allowing for increased savings without immediate tax liabilities until withdrawals begin [5] - Annuities can offer lifetime income guarantees, making them a suitable supplement to Social Security and providing a reliable source of income throughout retirement [6][7]

William_Potter / iStock via Getty Images This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the rounds of Sunday talk shows to spread the news that is doing "better than we thought," and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) likes the news. The Voo opened 0.1% on Monday morning. "We've had 4% GDP growth in a couple of quarters," Bessent told CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday, and "we're going to finish the year ... ...

If you’re a millennial, chances are you’ve had a thought or two about retirement planning. No longer the up-and-coming generation, those born between 1981 and 1996 are here and now. “Here” is in an uncertain economy where homeownership is territory only the oldest in this age range might have ventured into, with the average age of first-time home buyers being over 40. And “now,” for many millennials, is “20-something” years to retirement or longer. While the retirement age is officially considered 65, you’ ...

In this piece, we look at a 61 year old retiree who recently left behind a $145,000 salary. They have built a strong financial foundation, including nearly $2 million in a 401(k), healthy balances in other tax advantaged accounts, and a sizable amount of cash and CDs. With solid investments and plenty of liquidity, they appear to be well prepared for a long retirement.This post was updated on December 5th, 2025 to clarify the 4% rule's annual adjustments, as well as the conservative nature of a 3% withdrawa ...

unomat / iStock via Getty Images Quick Read A Redditor has this issue, and if you’re facing the same problem, it’s time to take action. You’re behind on retirement, but you’re not as far back as you think. There are also policies in place to help you catch up. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Americans to realize they can retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more here The average person at 55 has a portfolio ...

Remember that everything you read online, including this article and comments in the original thread, reflects personal viewpoints rather than universal truths. Financial decisions should always be made with guidance from a qualified professional who can evaluate your specific situation and goals.As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that the poster was not alone in their concerns. Many people within high net worth circles wrestle with the question of how much is enough and how to balance emotional co ...

Key Points It's vital to plan for your retirement, long before you retire. Ideally, you should aim to have multiple income streams. Estimate your future expenses carefully and comprehensively. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › What's the single most common retirement planning mistake people make in their 50s? I'd say that it's not reading up on retirement and how to plan well for it, so that they don't end up facing unpleasant surprises. If you haven't planned ...

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the contrasting life paths of two friends, highlighting the impact of family background, education, and personal choices on their careers and lives, ultimately emphasizing the importance of individual agency and the complexities of societal expectations. Group 1: Background and Early Life - The two main characters, referred to as "the author" and "Sister Song," were classmates in a key high school, both feeling out of place among their peers due to their unique interests and backgrounds [5][6][7] - Sister Song expressed a strong aversion to marriage at a young age, influenced by her observations of adult relationships, which shaped her independent mindset [6][7] - The author and Sister Song bonded over their shared interests in literature and television, forming a close friendship that defied social norms [7][8] Group 2: Family Dynamics and Aspirations - Sister Song's family dynamics were characterized by her mother's strong influence and meticulous management of household resources, reflecting a traditional yet resourceful upbringing [10][12][13] - The author noted the stark contrast between their family environments, with Sister Song's home filled with valuable items and a sense of order, while the author's home felt more sparse and disorganized [12][13] - Both characters aspired to break free from their circumstances, dreaming of a future filled with opportunities and success, despite their academic struggles [13][17] Group 3: Career Paths and Choices - After graduating, the author pursued a career in law, while Sister Song was placed in a stable job within a state-owned enterprise, showcasing the different paths shaped by their educational backgrounds and family connections [16][17][21] - Sister Song's decision to study for a CPA and her eventual move to a big city reflected her desire for professional growth and independence, contrasting with her initial life in a secure but limiting environment [21][25] - The author found success in journalism, navigating the competitive landscape of a big city, while Sister Song's career progressed steadily within the confines of her initial job [25][27] Group 4: Personal Sacrifices and Family Obligations - Sister Song faced a significant turning point when her mother fell ill, leading her to prioritize family over her career aspirations, demonstrating the tension between personal ambition and familial duty [33][34] - The decision to return home for her mother's care highlighted the emotional complexities of balancing career goals with the responsibilities of being a daughter [33][34] - Ultimately, Sister Song's return to her previous job illustrated the challenges of reconciling personal desires with family expectations, as she resumed a life that felt predetermined [35][41]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 closed down 2% for the week, but showed a rebound on the final trading day, continuing into Monday with the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF opening 0.6% higher [1][7]. Upcoming Economic Data - The U.S. federal government is set to release retail sales and producer price index data for October on Tuesday, with the stock market closing on Thursday and an early closure at 1 p.m. on Black Friday [2]. Earnings Reports - No earnings reports are scheduled for this morning, but Agilent Technologies is expected to report its fiscal Q4 profits this evening, with analysts predicting earnings of $1.58 per share [3]. - Other S&P 500 component companies, including Dell Technologies, Analog Devices, and Autodesk, are also set to report earnings tomorrow [4]. Retirement Planning Insights - A new report suggests that many Americans are reconsidering their retirement plans, focusing on the difference between accumulation and distribution of investments [5]. - After answering three quick questions, many individuals are finding they can retire earlier than expected [6].