Income
Having six figures in the bank is a good feeling. Even better if that money is tied up in an asset that earns money each year. But if you’re wondering how long will $200,000 last in retirement, the outlook isn’t quite as optimistic. You can retire with $200,000, but you’ll need to do some planning first.
Stephanie Faris
Published April 18th, 2022
Stephanie Faris
•
Published April 18th, 2022
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
If you have $200,000 in retirement savings, don’t turn in your retirement notice just yet.
Divided over one or two decades or more, $200,000 might not be enough to see you through.
By waiting to take Social Security later, wisely investing your funds, and reducing your cost of living, you might be able to make $200,000 a viable retirement savings.
Having six figures in the bank is a good feeling. Even better if that money is tied up in an asset that earns money each year. But if you’re wondering how long will $200,000 last in retirement, the outlook isn’t quite as optimistic. You can retire with $200,000, but you’ll need to do some planning first.
How to Retire on 200k
When considering how long will $200,000 last in retirement, the biggest factor is the age you plan to retire. A 50-year-old will have a tough time stretching the funds out, especially with the average life expectancy being age 77. But if you’re wondering what to do with 200k, saving it for retirement is a good move, especially if you wait until full Social Security retirement age to leave the workforce.
Spending From Your Assets
Is 200k a lot of money? Sure. But spread over 10, 20, or 30 years, it’s not quite as much. One way you can retire on 200k earlier is to reduce the amount you use each year. If you follow the 4 percent rule, taking only 4 percent each year while adjusting for inflation in subsequent years, you can stretch your savings further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before asking how long will 200k last in retirement, you’ll need to first make some decisions about when you’ll retire and what your post-retirement budget will be. But being as fully informed as possible will help you make those assessments. Here are some frequently asked questions about retirement that can get you started.
Can You Retire on 200k in 5 Years?
The answer to can I retire with 200k depends largely on whether you plan to retire soon or decades from now, as well as how old you’ll be at that time. A 200k pension sounds great, but pensions are doled out in even monthly payments if you’re among those who get one. To retire in five years on $200,000, you’ll need supplemental income, whether from Social Security, a pension, a part-time job, or some other source.
Can You Live Off Monthly Interest on 200k?
Part of asking can you retire on 200k is wondering just how much interest you’ll earn on that amount. An annuity might be the best risk-free way to maximize the interest on your 200 000 retirement savings since you can find annuities that pay interest rates of 3 percent or more. Even then, though, how long will 200 000 last in retirement? If you live 10 or 20 additional years beyond retirement, you’ll have to divide that amount out per year, and you probably won’t get a comfortable yearly income from that alone.
How do I retire on $200 000 inheritance?
If you’ve recently come into an inheritance, can I retire on 200k could be a natural next question. If you have enough time, you could consider investing, but it’s important to know how to manage risk as you make those choices. You could set up a 200k savings account if you can find one with a good interest rate. An annuity or property investment is another option, or you could set the money aside in a CD. A financial advisor can help you decide the best route to take.
Can A Couple Retire On 200k?
Is $200 000 enough to retire on for a couple? Chances are, the answer is “no.” You do have some options, though. Find a way to stretch the funds and try to maximize the interest, relying on Social Security and any other income you’re getting, if you can.
Can I retire at 50 with $200k?
If you want to retire early, you’ll have to double down on researching how to retire with 200k. There aren’t many places to retire on 200k if you’re trying to stretch it out over 25 years or longer. But if you can drop your expenses by moving to a place with a low cost of living and simplify your life, you might be able to make it work.
Can I retire at 55 with $200k?
Although 55 isn’t a much better position for can I retire on $200,000, if you can invest or have other sources of income, it can be more doable. One consideration for retiring before the age of 59½ is the minimum age requirement for certain retirement savings. This applies to 401(k)s and IRAs, which come with a penalty if you withdraw the funds early.
Can I retire at 60 with $200k?
At 60, you can more easily retire on $200,000, especially if you plan to start taking Social Security at 62. But keep in mind that when you take the earliest Social Security option, you dramatically reduce your monthly payout for the remainder of your life. Crunch the numbers to determine the difference between retiring at 60 with $200k or waiting until you’re 65, 66, 67, or later.
How to Retire on 200k by Age
As you’re figuring how much your Social Security payout will be, it’s important to look at what $200,000 in retirement will look like, divided over a number of years. The below table looks at the average life expectancy of 77, but you could live much longer, which will reduce this even further.
| Income per year (without interest) | Interest on yearly income (at 4 percent) | Income per year (with 4 percent interest) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 50 | $7,407 | $296 | $7,703 |
| Age 55 | $9,091 | $364 | $9,455 |
| Age 60 | $11,765 | $471 | $12,236 |
| Age 65 | $16,667 | $667 | $17,334 |
| Age 70 | $28,571 | $1,143 | $29,417 |
Things To Consider When Retiring
Your post-retirement budget is a top consideration when you’re making your own retirement plans. Look at 20 places to retire on 200k lists for ideas on low-cost locales, or simply downsize to a smaller home in a more affordable part of town in your own area. You’ll also likely see a reduction in expenses on clothing and transportation when you’re no longer working each day. Keep that in mind as you’re looking at your retirement savings.
Inflation Considerations
Even if you figure out where to retire with 200k, also keep in mind that costs will rise. What costs $1 today might cost $1.50 or even $2 over the course of your retirement. That means your $200,000 won’t stretch as far as you plan.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering can I retire at 55 or 60 with 200k, things could be more complicated. A certified financial planner could look at your savings and retirement plans and work through some options. You might find waiting a few more years can make a big difference in how comfortable you are at retirement.
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Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.
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Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.
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