Can You Retire at 50 With $2 Million?

$2 million is a sizeable nest egg, but will it support a retirement as early as 50? Retiring early comes with challenges that require careful planning. While $2 million is well above what most Americans have saved for retirement, early retirees face a longer time horizon than those who stop working in their 60s. Healthcare costs, inflation, taxes and the need for consistent income can all put significant pressure on a portfolio that must last 40 years or more. That’s why a well-thought-out strategy is essential.

A financial advisor can help you evaluate your situation and create a sustainable retirement.

Is $2 Million Enough to Retire at 50?

Determining whether $2 million is enough to retire at 50 depends largely on how much income you need annually and how long your portfolio will need to last. One common starting point is the 4% rule, which suggests you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings in the first year, adjusting for inflation each year. In following the 4% rule, your portfolio should last about 30 years. This would give you $80,000 in your first year of retirement.

However, if you plan to retire at 50, you may need your portfolio to last longer than 30 years. People are living longer, and you may need your nest egg to last for potentially 40 or even 50 years. If you want to be more conservative, using a 3% withdrawal rate would provide about $60,000 annually.  

According to the most recent economic data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, a typical 65-year-old retiree spends an average of $60,000 per year. Following a 3% rule in this case aligns with that target. Depending on your needs, you may need more or less. But this approach reduces the risk of depleting your savings too soon, especially in years when the market underperforms or inflation rises sharply.

It’s also important to consider how your expenses will change over time. Retiring early usually means higher healthcare and insurance costs before Medicare eligibility at 65.

Other Factors Affecting Retirement at 50 With $2 Million

Even with a substantial nest egg, other financial factors will shape your retirement outlook.

Retirement Portfolio Basics and Taxes

At 50, you’ll face restrictions on accessing certain retirement accounts. Withdrawing from 401(k)s and traditional IRAs before age 59.5 typically incurs a 10% penalty plus income taxes, unless you qualify for an exception. To fund the first decade or more of your retirement, you’ll likely rely on taxable brokerage accounts, savings or real estate income.

Capital gains taxes will apply when you sell appreciated investments from taxable accounts. If you’re in the 15% or 20% long-term capital gains bracket, selling investments for income could trigger significant tax liability. A well-planned withdrawal strategy, such as tax-loss harvesting or strategically selling assets, can help minimize taxes.

A financial advisor can also help you sequence withdrawals across different account types to optimize tax efficiency.

Location and Lifestyle

Where you retire will dramatically affect how far $2 million will stretch. Living in a low-cost state like Arkansas or Tennessee can reduce housing, taxes and general living expenses. In contrast, retiring in high-cost areas like California or New York could strain your budget.

Your lifestyle will matter just as much. Modest living, occasional travel and frugal spending can make your $2 million last decades. But if you plan on luxury travel, maintaining multiple homes or supporting adult children, you may need to reassess your withdrawal rate or consider part-time income.

Inflation

Inflation steadily erodes purchasing power, making it a potential risk for early retirees. Over a 30- to 40-year retirement, even moderate inflation can substantially increase your cost of living. For example, at an average 3% inflation rate, expenses will double roughly every 24 years. Keeping a portion of your portfolio invested in growth assets like stocks can help combat this risk.

Health and Longevity

Healthcare expenses can rise rapidly in retirement, especially before Medicare eligibility at 65. Fidelity already estimates the average retiree will spend about $165,000 on healthcare costs over the course of their retirement. Private health insurance premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs due to an early retirement ensure that number will only rise. Planning for long-term care is also essential. People retiring at 50 may need to fund care costs for many years if they live into their 90s or beyond.

Retiring at 50 With $2 Million – Social Security and Medicare

When retiring at 50, Social Security benefits won’t be available until at least age 62, and even then, claiming early will reduce your monthly payout. Waiting until your full retirement age (likely 67) or even 70 can significantly increase your benefits.

Let’s use the 2025 maximum benefit amounts from the Social Security Administration as an example.

Someone claiming benefits at 62 is eligible for a maximum benefit of just $2,831 a month. But wait until 67 or even 70, and that maximum benefit rises to $4,018 and $5,108, respectively.

Medicare eligibility doesn’t begin until 65, so you’ll need to secure private health insurance for the first 15 years of retirement. Budgeting for healthcare premiums and considering health savings accounts (HSAs) or other savings options can help bridge this gap.

Create a Retirement Budget

Here’s an example of a retirement budget for a 50 year old retiring with $2 million, assuming a 4% withdrawal rate and $80,000 annual income:

This sample budget leaves a small cushion for unexpected expenses or additional spending flexibility. Individual spending will vary based on location, family needs and lifestyle preferences.

For example, the budget above gives you a little bit of a cushion compared to the average yearly rent of $16,800 (approximately $1,400 per month, according to recent data from LendingTree).

Managing a $2 Million Portfolio at 50

Asset allocation becomes especially important when retiring early. At 50, you still need growth to offset inflation, but also stability to fund withdrawals.

A typical early retirement allocation might look like:

• 60% stocks (for growth)
  
• 30% bonds (for income and stability)
  
• 10% cash or cash equivalents (for liquidity)

Rebalancing annually and adjusting based on market conditions and personal needs can help preserve your portfolio’s longevity.

Annuities

Annuities can provide a guaranteed income stream that can help cover essential expenses like housing and healthcare. Fixed annuities offer predictable payments, while variable or indexed annuities provide growth potential with some risk.

However, annuities often have fees and limited liquidity, so evaluate them carefully in the context of your overall plan.

Estate Planning

With $2 million in assets, estate planning becomes crucial. Strategies might include setting up a revocable living trust to avoid probate, designating beneficiaries on retirement accounts, and considering gifting strategies to minimize future estate taxes. Long-term care insurance or Medicaid planning can also protect assets from potential nursing home costs.

Bottom Line

Retiring at 50 with $2 million is possible, but it requires thorough planning, disciplined budgeting and a flexible investment strategy. While $2 million can provide a comfortable retirement, especially in lower-cost areas, early retirees face unique challenges such as longer time horizons, healthcare expenses and inflation. A financial advisor can help you navigate tax efficiency, income planning and investment management, increasing your chances of a financially secure and enjoyable early retirement.

Tips for Retiring at 50 with $2 Million

• Retiring at 50 involves many moving parts, especially since you’ll need multiple income streams. Plus, fine-tuning your financial circumstances for taxes is a must. If you’re lost, you can get help from a financial advisor. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area. You can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• Having a spending plan is essential for retiring early. Your monthly income will dictate your lifestyle. To that end, here’s how to make a retirement budget.

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