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Suze Orman Says $2M Is 'Pennies' Today and That You'll Likely Need $10M to Retire Without Touching Principal Or 'Burn Up Alive'
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-09 13:31
Core Viewpoint - Personal finance expert Suze Orman asserts that $2 million is insufficient for financial security in today's economic climate, emphasizing the need for a significantly larger safety net, potentially up to $10 million [1][2][3]. Financial Security Perspective - Orman argues that merely accumulating $2 million does not guarantee financial safety, especially in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as health crises or economic downturns [2][3]. - She highlights the importance of considering various expenses, including healthcare, taxes, and inflation, which are often overlooked in retirement planning [3][4]. Required Wealth for Stability - According to Orman, individuals should aim for at least $5 million to $10 million to ensure a livable income without depleting principal, particularly to cover high costs like full-time care [4]. - She provides a specific example, stating that to maintain an after-tax yield of $300,000 per year, a portfolio of $2 million would not suffice unless high-risk investments are pursued, which she does not recommend [4]. Inflation Impact - The purchasing power of $2 million has significantly decreased since 2018 due to inflation, indicating that approximately $2.6 million would be needed today to achieve the same financial security [5].