I'm 60 With $1 Million How Much Can I Spend In Retirement

As we approach the milestone of saving a million dollars in our retirement portfolio and crossing the age of 60, thoughts of retirement become more than just a distant dream. However, these milestones are not a guarantee of readiness to retire.
Today we’re discussing a real-life financial plan of a couple named John and Jane, both 60 years old with a million-dollar portfolio, who sought guidance on whether they could begin their retirement journey.
John and Jane are a couple in their sixties who reached out to Root Financial, wondering if they were financially ready to retire. Their combined portfolio totaled around a million dollars, including retirement accounts, cash, investments, and their home. Their goal was to retire and maintain a comfortable lifestyle on $8,000 per month.
John and Jane's financial plan revolved around aligning their income sources with their anticipated expenses. Initially aiming to retire at 60, they realized two minor changes would give them a considerably stronger financial foundation for retirement: extending their working years by just a couple more years and opting for part-time employment over full retirement.
This story also highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations for retirement spending. By acknowledging that spending patterns tend to fluctuate during retirement-increasing initially and then tapering off-they were able to construct a more accurate financial plan and account for changing priorities.
Retirement planning is not a static process but a dynamic journey. The flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial. As you embark on your own retirement planning, remember that a well-crafted financial plan based on realistic expectations and adaptable strategies, can provide the confidence and security you need to embrace your golden years with peace of mind.
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⏱Timestamps:⏱
0:00 Intro
3:08 John and Jane retiring today
5:54 Their projections
7:14 Small adjustments
9:57 Retirement smile
11:14 The fun part
14:13 Summary and analysis
15:26 Outro
Other videos we think you'll like:
About Root: • Financial advisors wit...
Worried about retirement? Start here: • Worried About Retireme...

[@RootFP]

Glad to hear you're liking the case study format! Any other specific types of topics you'd like to see a case study on?

[@pglover19]

Use case for Roth conversions utilizing your retirement planning tool.

[@ericmorrison6996]

Add passive income ideas to utilize to add monthly income when someone wants to retire before collecting social security. Add best ways to pull money from case studies particular asset mix such as taxable account, 401k, HSA, Roth 401K.

[@DavidAiken-sd3fx]

Totally agree with previous comment from @deerhunter7268. You changed the complete scenarial. What could have done with the original plan with the additional work.

[@jennifernewell5685]

Can you do a scenario with a couple with age gap?

[@user-rl8mg2nw2s]

I notice you are hitting the gym...guns lookin good!

[@reinaldoreyes5631]

I am a professional, 58. Been through multiple financial consultants/advisors from well established firms. These are best presentations I’ve ever received.

[@davet9387]

I'm pretty good at retirement planning, having studied the subject for many years. This video is level headed, comprehensive and smart advice, IMO. Great job.

[@hheidrick]

I think 8,000 a month for expenses is really, really high in retirement. That’s more then the average person makes a year working. I’m going by today’s Stats average personally income 63,214. Median income across the country is 44,225. WOW I was shocked at these #’s. I count my blessings everyday.

[@alishawexler961]

I watched with my husband, who is a CPA and he really enjoyed seeing the projections and scenarios and how one small change could make a big difference.

[@sct4040]

It’s scary not having jobs, not seeing that direct deposits. For that reason, we drew from SS right away once we decided to retire. Psychologically, we feel better having an “income”. It took a while before realizing we had more than enough. We were not necessarily frugal minded, but we are not fancy people. We spend about $45k per year living in NYC. Once retired, your mindset changes, don’t care about stuff anymore and spending goes way down.

[@tdgdbs1]

I'm very comfortable in Texas with the same amount; house is paid for and in a low tax area. I do travel quite a bit, at least 3 international trips per year to low cost destination; if I cut on the travel, $30K a year is sufficient.

[@NameWithheld-nm1es]

Thank you for this post. I recently got pushed into early retirement at 55. I have some physical limitations that will make it difficult for me to get another job...but honestly, I don't think I want to work anymore. I have been pretty stressed out about the whole thing. I really appreciate seeing that you are managing on 45K in NYC. I totally agree about "not needing stuff" in retirement. Thank you for this post!

[@tamugrad2007]

That's why every person needs to do their own assessment, with the help of a CFP. There are way too many variables. This video simply highlights how small changes can make a huge impact on your situation. It doesn't always require huge changes. Everyone has different earning ability, desires, comfort levels, etc. Don't try to insert yourself into a situation that doesn't honestly fit yours needs or desires with at least marginal wiggle room.

[@brianstricker9739]

Love your tool that helps run scenarios. Really great, and impactful for clients, I’m sure. Have you considered other tools like SPIAs, that pay an income for life, or dividends from your investment portfolio? These would seem to only make their analysis look even better, and might be preferable to working part time from 62-70.

[@youngtimer964]

The idea of working 2 more years and then part time is out of the question for many (including myself). The stress and consequential health issues make this a non-starter. I was hoping that you might first look at taking SS at 62 to determine if that has a chance at success.

[@gauravipal9518]

If you can't work 2 more years and have only a million saved, you cannot afford to spend $8,000 a month.

[@wb5mgr]

You can always spend less. If you spend more like 5000 a month that solves the entire problem.

[@kathyt2108]

@@gauravipal9518not necessarily true. I just talked with my advisor, and he said it’s not a crazy idea to do just that. I think a lot has to do with how you’re invested. If I can find this again, I’ll let you know how our meeting goes next month.

[@edhcb9359]

The “consulting in my industry” fantasy is usually just that. And earning $20k at a crummy job will make you wish you just kept your original full time job.

[@RootFP]

Yes there’s no guarantee the consulting route works out

[@Sylvan_dB]

I was enjoying my job, but wanted more time not working. I worked with my employer to cut my full-time job to 32 hours per week, with a commensurate pay cut. A 3-day weekend or 4-day weekend every week is pretty nice.

[@stevemlejnek7073]

I did that as a glide path for my last 2 years of work. I retired 2 weeks ago.

[@MrEscape314]

I'd love to tell my boss I want the same job but only work 20ish hours a week. Even if she picks what days I'm working, the long weekends would be great.

[@Tommigun626]

Is healthcare an additional cost to consider, or was it built into the $8k monthly expense?

[@shellebelle89]

It would be helpful to see a breakdown of this couple’s assumptions on needing $8k/month.

[@MrSupernova111]

Yeah, $8k per month seems very high especially if they pay off the house along the way.

[@lemongavine]

Probably going out to eat daily. That can be $2,500 per month right there. Maybe car payments? Property taxes. IDK

[@joseph2664]

Well, that is less than half what they currently earn, so it may look frugal to them.

[@StormGod29]

@@lemongavine eating out daily is probably going to help them not run out of money; they'll die sooner from all the fat and salt unless you are super careful.

[@pandabeary813]

What about the interest they are earning on that one million dollars??

[@donhampton8414]

The concept of how making minor changes to your retirement plan can greatly increase the probability of success is a concept that should be emphasized a lot more than it is. Great video and congratulations for highlighting this important point.

[@franks4973]

1 of the best retirement videos I have watched. Cements in my mind that we need to see our planner for a custom scenario. Thank you

[@peggyroston5508]

Your case studies are extremely helpful. Your methodology is spot on. Peggy Roston - I am an attorney in Alaska in my mid 70’s and your approach is what I have been looking for.

[@pglover19]

Love this video. Please continue to demonstrate real life situations like this using your financial planning tool.

[@RootFP]

Will do! More to come.

[@johnmccormick3079]

Being 60, This was very close to my scenario, I appreciate the in and outs. Well done! Thanks.

[@lowersadventures4512]

Yes! Please do more videos like this. Something for mid-fifties, Roth conversions, SS, etc would be insightful. Thank you so much for sharing information that could change lives and perhaps allow people to see they may be able to look more seriously at being able to retire now!

[@NameWithheld-nm1es]

@RootFP. Also good for those who are in 50's and were forced out of their long term job! I'm 55 and just got forced out of my job. I decided to take a sabbatical and I am quite liking it! Trying to make it work so that I don't have to go back into the work force. I agree with @lowersadventures4512!

[@bscottking]

That was SUPER informative and helpful. That program you plugged figures in and generated line graphs was way more impactful than just talking figures and projections. They went from broke at 80 to up by 3 million at 90 with just a few simple adjustments! Keep this type of stuff up. Love your channel.

[@RootFP]

Glad it was helpful! More videos like this to come.

[@patrickcorrigan7768]

I have found some of your videos a little long, but this is the very best video about retirement planning I have seen on KZbin. Really enjoyed and better understand how the planning works. Thank you!

[@roderick.t]

Yes! Do more of this with real-ish account values, perhaps including strategic Roth conversions starting around 60 years old, and seeing how future income and RMDs are affected. Very helpful. 🙌

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Why are RMDs so scary?

[@gauravipal9518]

Roth conversions around 60 will affect ACA subsidy at a time when you are not yet ready for Medicare.

[@bronsonmateo4848]

Best video yet. Only thing that is missing is understanding what those monthly expenses are, and why that wasn't the first assumption that was addressed and possibly tweaked before determining if their retirement age needed to be deferred and part time work was necessary.

[@janesmith506]

3/16/24: Hi James, I’ve watched about 20 of your videos (they are rather addictive) and THE BEST ONES for me are the case studies. A case study is by nature holistic, and the way you present them tells meaningful stories. Humans learn from stories. People whose eyes glaze over listening to detailed lectures about pre-tax or after-tax or withdrawal rates can stay focused with your stories on the important points. This helps people figure what is important for them. I’m sure they are a lot of work to produce, but the case studies are valuable. Thanks for all the different perspectives you’ve given me.

[@GrrliinaK]

This is my favorite video of yours so far. Thank you! I’m the queen of spreadsheets, but seeing examples of real,scenarios is the best way for me to process the info. ❤ This was close to my scenario including a big budget for travel. The only difference is that I cannot collect much social security because of WEP and GPO. If you could cover how that affects those of us with state pensions, that is an area very few cover other than explaining what they are.

[@jaynelson8304]

Love this video! My wife and I retired two years ago from jobs with take home pay of $60,000/year combined, and my wife's job paid our health insurance. I knew our costs would be significantly higher than previous take home due to insurance, but am shocked at how much higher. Our needs exceed previous gross income but will drop $15,000 by the end of the year because of turning 65 and qualifying for Medicare. I did countless budgets prior to retiring and was wrong on every one. Thank god we saved 20% more than I thought we needed.

[@RootFP]

Trying to predict retirement expenses can be challenging.

[@jimfarmer7811]

I retired at 62 and my wife and I went on Obamacare. We didn't pay any premiums for three years until a I went on medicare. We did have a high deductible plan but we loaded up our HSA to cover the deductible. We got lucky and didn't have to pay much more than what we earned in HSA investments.

[@sco0tpa]

Thanks for the video. What software do you recommend for doing similar analysis?

[@UnlikelyToRemember]

IMO, healthcare is definitely the monster under the bed. Everyone's situation is different, but we are just shy of 62, and like an increasing number of couples, we had our children later in life, so we have a daughter who just started college. Which means a family health plan instead of just a couple's. Ours is currently costing my employer and I over $20,000/yr and that scares the crap out of me, so retiring before she graduates just seems crazy to me.

[@stepaukob]

How were you so far off on your budget estimates? I've tracked my last 3 years of expenses and used that for my estimated financial needs with a little bit of cushion for unknown expenses like home repairs. I also considered taxes and health insurance. I guess I'm wondering if there's anything I might have missed.

[@haroldcoleman7497]

James, you killed it on this one. As always, your presentation is fantastic.

[@RootFP]

Thanks, Harold! I appreciate the feedback and I’ll look to do more videos like this in the future.

[@bobshuff6156]

Great vid. I know it’s not applicable to everyone but it’s great to see the levers to consider.

[@user-xl9jd8wn8b]

Yes, James, Please do more of this. It really helps to see what could be and what good professional advice can do for you. Thanks!!!

[@davesudlik9638]

I agree with some of the other comments - this example is helpful but I’d like to see a specific discussion around accounting for healthcare costs if retiring before 65.

[@somethingclever1234]

Agree, healthcare is a huge factor to plan for before Medicare

[@Andrew-zh6jl]

Excellent video, as always. I really enjoyed the ‘true life example’ format. Very helpful to a 58 year old considering the same question as John and Jane.

[@RootFP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jerryclark1903]

James, this is helpful. Thanks for demonstrating the various scenarios.

[@jeffreycooke949]

Absolutely love the case study! Please do more of these videos.

[@savagecub]

As a guy who IS 60 and DO have a million in my portfolio I still plan to work full time until 65. Yet still this video is inspiring to say the least.

[@Heyitsyourfriendrobert]

IM 61 I have 780,000 will have a million shortly :) will be retiring at 63 or 65

[@patoises]

sorry to hear this, hope you'll be able to it sooner

[@JayandSarah]

I'm not sure why anyone who can afford to retire early would continue to work until 65. You do not get that time back to do what you wish with it. You risk health conditions and, in fact.. a not too unusual death age, for what? A few more years of working?

[@jimmywalters3071]

@@Nadex2015 WOW what are your expenses per month ? You can deduct at least 200k or more , depending on your age and be in good shape.

[@fredwang2004]

James, really helpful video with real life examples and demonstrating how small changes can make a huge difference. Now as encouraging as it is, I could not help wondering whether you have clients that are in the later stage of their retirement and whether their projections live up to realities.

[@beckpe]

Super helpful, James. Combining this information with last weekend's video on retirement income strategy is excellent. As always, thank you for your time and advice.

[@RootFP]

Excellent! Thank you for the feedback.

[@mariacarty2488]

This is very helpful, James. Please do more of this. Thank you.

[@harryhankins1338]

Very helpful to see actual case study. Thank you!!!

[@RootFP]

Thanks for letting me know! More to come.

[@dlg5485]

James, these kinds of examples are incredibly insightful. Thanks for doing these videos! I love seeing the various impacts that moving different levers can have on a retirement plan. Personally, I'm single and very healthy and active, so the conventional 'spending smile' probably won't apply to me, as I expect to remain active throughout retirement maintaining a pretty consistent spending level well into my 80s. I know it may not turn out that way, but that's what I want to plan for. I'd love to see some examples for single retirees with a more level spending trajectory....lets say with a $1.5 million portfolio.

[@davidburrus9813]

I find case studies very helpful as it helps me learn the principles involved more easily. Fantastic and helpful content!

[@AlexFlavell]

This is super helpful! Awesome format. Loved the nuanced take on the Montecarlo analysis.

[@deerhunter7268]

I enjoyed the video and it was informative to see how big a difference small changes can make. However, going from retiring at 60 to working full time 2 more years and then part time 8 more years is a huge change! I would like to have have seen what it would look like to reduce expenses and take SS at 62 and the 65. Seems like the couple in this scenario have a spending problem.

[@BadPhD777]

I definitely don't need $8000 a month. And there's no way I'm working even part time until 70!

[@jltsoyowdycjltsoyowdyc1076]

My exact thoughts, If you want to spend $100k/year and retire well before Medicare and SS, 2 million is a more realistic target than 1mil.

[@ariefraiser140]

​@@jltsoyowdycjltsoyowdyc1076it's likely lower than that when including their social security at full retirement age will total $5000 per month. What they need to do is find a total retirement savings amount that will allow them to withdraw $8000 a month until full retirement age AND have the savings last through age 90 or so. That number may be around $1.5 million at age 65 for example. They would definitely need to play with different scenarios.

[@pattip1413]

Same. I’d like to see that too.

[@baldtaxguy1937]

Nice job with this subject - using real life examples of decisions and scenarios is really insightful. Thank you, and I would like to see more of similar. Question - is the software you use available for individual consumers? It seems it would be great to use for planning.

[@allisonpilmer451]

The clarity is fantastic with the visuals! Thanks

[@dackjohnson3922]

Love your content, especially the details. Lots of information I either didn't consider or just didn't know enough to completely understand them. THANKS!

[@Larimarc]

Hi James, I loved your video and yes please continue doing similar "real-life" scenarios. Also, I should add that what you described here is pretty much our situation. We have slightly more than $1.2M and our spending is about $6,000 per month. Expected Social Security at age 70 is as per your example. So, pretty close overall. Earlier this year, we decided to switch to part time instead of full time so that we could start enjoying life now, instead of waiting until 62.

[@bradk7653]

Your spending plan on that size of portfolio is much more realistic. There is a big difference between 6k and 8k spending on the sustainability of the retirement portfolio.

[@markchuchra8399]

New subscriber. Thanks. Yes, I enjoyed and valued the case study. More examples, as others have stated, looking at details around IRA to Roth conversions and other such tax strategies would be nice. The one thing that struck me as being a bit oversimplified, and therefore not quite realistic is the cost assumptions that would be applicable to health insurance in the first couple of scenarios. More specifically, if they stopped working now, their expenses would likely go up beyond $8000 per month for health insurance. Or conversely, their $8000 a month assumption with no longer be valid if they extend their jobs and therefore aren’t paying out-of-pocket for health. I understand you have to make some simplifications to create a simple video, but healthcare costs in the US are so significant and therefore can’t be just “assumed away.” it would be great if you can layer in the healthcare insurance scenarios in a later video.

[@rcooper4164]

James, you’re THE BEST educator out there in Retirement Planning!!! You are able to articulately explain everything in plain lingo and is easy to understand and follow… not to mention you are very easy on the eye too 😆 I have learned a lot from you in the last few months that I have listened to your podcast and watched your KZbin videos! I wish I can just pay for a fee to use your program/software you used in this presentation so I can do it myself because I just can’t afford to hire a CFP especially you. Let me know if this is possible please. Thank you again! God bless you and everything you do to make a difference 🙏

[@capnsean8365]

Thank you James. The concepts and "little levers" you mention are all good to keep in mind for me. I am 45, but starting to think about down the road.

[@user-sb6nk7zf5m]

James great video and informative. I would like to see more of these real life scenarios.

[@RootFP]

Will do! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@darrellq6954]

James, we need a video comparing the 4% rule vs Bucket Strategy.....and when would you choose one over the other....

[@user-tw4qy1zr6r]

I like the format of this video. Seeing the data made a big difference 😊

[@jmcks1]

Very helpful. Would love to see more of these real life examples. And I love that you include the dream wish list and how possible it would be to achieve. Thanks so much, James!

[@RootFP]

More to come!

[@m8tyone]

Majority don’t have 1M after all these crashes. Do one vlog where people only have 250-500K in retirement funds left. Factor in SSA retirement income. Most people fall in this criteria. I am one of them. Good thing is I have federal pension that I rely on. Also, majority of people don’t spend $8,000/month. You are stating very unrealistic figures. You’re figures are for people with upper middle income not for the COMMON man.

[@davidworsley7929]

Terrific video! I'd love to see more like these. My wife and I are considering hiring an FA to help us through retirement, putting some of our assets under their management. I'd love to see how AUM fees affect these plans and their outcomes.

[@kelibarajas4951]

Hi James, this is very helpful. Hope you can talk about more of this type of case studies. Thank you!

[@MacRides1]

Yes this was very helpful. Seeing real world scenarios makes it much easier to visualize and plan a retirement. Thanks for the video

[@charlieoberg8313]

Love the real world example James. More like this!

[@RootFP]

Will do! Thank you.

[@audreydavis2583]

The real life example was helpful. You should include more like this.

[@cartma24]

Great case study, love this kinda of content and really got to see your point very clear. Make more of these.

[@timothydiver5105]

Very Helpful. Best explanation style/illustration I've seen yet.

[@behemothl9298]

Good video James. As an alternative to the 4% rule, do you construct passive dividend portfolios for retirement? I am interested in MLP's such as EPD and MPLX for a tax deferred advantage. Also, quality business development companies such as ARCC and CSWC that pay a high yield. Furthermore, utilizing covered call ETF's such as JEPI/JEPQ and REIT's such as O and SPG. I am interested in a diversified portfolio of these and more along with CD's and treasuries that are over 5%. I worry about sequence of investment returns risk with the 4% rule.

[@sonicwario1]

yes James, this real life scenario is very helpful. What if if they both collect social security at 62 would that be a profound change as well?

[@rs2352]

Am convinced this is one of the greatest disservices fostered upon the general population by the Social Security Administration. That is, glossing over the fact that it takes about sixteen (16) years for the increased payout at age 67 to actually 'catch up' with all the money coming in (at a lower rate) over the five (5) years in between. Even with a gap of $1,000 (it is typically much smaller) between age 67 @ $3k/mo vs. 62 @ $2/mo, that means for 5 years, you have had $120,000 in Social Security Benefits. That is, $120k NOT pulled from other savings, especially from an IRA. For the sake of simplicity, calculating 4% ROI, that is about $24,000 of additional interest INSIDE the IRA. Anyway, we seem to be in agreement as to the value of Age 62......

[@tammychick4341]

I was wondering the same thing and curious how that would impact things

[@markwilhelm168]

@@rs2352 If this was the only factor, then the math makes sense. I have run both 62 and 70 in my scenario and 62 has a far worse outcome probability of success. What occurs is that by taking less from savings, in the early years, the investments grow to a larger amount and when RMDs kick in I get pushed into a higher tax bracket. SS is also taxed. When I run the scenario at 70, the pretax savings is spent down more and does not grow as much. When SS starts, at 70, the RMD,s are minimal and are even less than the planned withdrawals. With a standard deduction, taxes go to 0. For me this makes about a $100k difference in lifetime taxes. Also a plan that has SS at 70 can be changed, to take it sooner, if plan reviews warrant it. If you take SS at 62, you can't change the plan, to take SS, at 67 if you already took it at 62. If my savings was all taxable or Roth, 62 would also make more sense.

[@fredg8564]

This is great, keep the case studies coming…so many different situations out there! Thank you for your time and perspective.

[@stewarthampton5768]

Excellent case study thanks. Knowledge is power and reduces stress. Many folks are smart and successful at what they do for work but don’t know when enough is enough (to retire with confidence).

[@bradk7653]

Good review, but the main problem with John and Jane is that they were (and will likely continue to be) too big of spenders. If they were earning over 200k their retirement saving should have been well above 1 million. Their retirement funds should have been a minimum of 2 million and more likely in the 3-4 million range. Saving only 10-11% of their income was the killer, they should have been consuming less and saving 18-20% and they could have easily fully retired @60 or possibly in their mid to late 50's.

[@midlife_minimalist]

Exactly what I was thinking!

[@cber5077]

You may think that, but there are other things that can get in the way of retirement savings besides not being frugal. In my case, it’s kids school fees. I put 3 kids through college with no financial help, at a cost of about $750k. And I only had that savings because I was/am frugal. Unfortunately, I have 2 kids yet to put through school, so that pushes my retirement age out :(. You could stay poor family planning, but I wouldn’t give up any of my kids for any amount of money :).

[@vulpixelful]

​@@cber5077Not poor family planning, but a lot of financial advice says consider your own retirement before your kids college fund. There are no loans or scholarships for retirement! As a daughter, I would appreciate if my parents had their retirement more squared away, so I wouldn't be worried about two retirements 😕 The student loans, I can handle.

[@lifethroughalens9878]

Possibly. But quite often that higher salary comes at the tail end of your working career.

[@ERidesOn2]

​@cber5077 well I hope their all Dr's at that cost. I sent my 2 kids to a local state college and one started and ended at a community College. I cash flowed it(1 salary driving a truck) by "extra work" Yeah they wanted to go with their friends out of state and pay for boarding as well for $50K a year. I just gave them the simple choice to get a student loan to pay for the difference. Or go to one of the local state colleges and graduate debt free thanks to the "Bank of Dad". I was also able fully to fully fund Roth IRA'S for each of them with the savings and all have graduated owing nothing and have a huge head start on retirement savings. I'll also add that statistics prove 47% of what kids go to college for is not what they do for their careers. So if your sacrificing you life to give as much as you can to universities at the expense of your own security, is a bad gamble. Also you could possibly make yourself a burden to your kids if you run out of $ in your old age.

[@toddk8770]

Great video. To see the changes based on small-ish tweaks is remarkable. Curious about that 750K home ... was it paid off, was there a mortage contribtuing to the 8k/month expenses ... and//or any consideration to use equity in home (if no mortgage to help and enable) retirement at 60 ... Great content as always. thank you!

[@jdenino6022]

If they live in NJ the high property tax could contribute to their monthly costs plus insurance and maintenance costs.

[@JC-21470]

Retirement is changing, when you look at the numbers many people are going back to work at least part time and not just for money, but for the social benefits as well as sometimes health benefits. I am 59 and plan on retiring from my "Career Job" at the end of the year. However, I already have several ideas of what part time work I would do. With remote work, the internet and an open mind, I think I can easily find part time work that will help provide a more fulfilling retirement along with a little extra in the bank. I really believe the old idea of retire and never work again is just not been shown to work well for most people. As always James GREAT job on the video!

[@GOGUNNERS59]

This info is very helpful to understand and help my plan. Thanks Terence. Keep them coming

[@Sondan1988]

How are they making $215,000 a year and saving SO LITTLE ? 10% of $120k is $12,000 a year. $500 a month x 12 is $6,000. All of that totaled together is only $18,000 a year. Where are they spending the other $197,000 A YEAR ??? If they are spending about $16,400 a month now but then plan to live on $8,000 a month ? I am less then 5 minutes in and I have serious questions on either their savings numbers or their spending numbers.

[@CD-ql9hz]

I agree completely. They will be out of money in a few years. Plus 5 years of health coverage will be extremely expensive. I suspect they have a lot of debt.

[@johnd4348]

Sounds like they fell into the trap of the More you make, the more you spend. Many high wealth individuals have very little in savings compared to income. Keeping up with the Jones is very costly.

[@malindachau998]

Yes, I am one of those people that makes good money for years and not know anything about finance. Didn’t know how to save up for retirement. I think I was in lala land or something. Things would be much better had I learned all these 10 years ago. Now I have to aggressively save for retirement and teach my kids to save for their retirement. Thank you James for all your teaching. Keep up the good work.

[@lwwarren]

@Sondan1988 That $215k is pre-tax. Take out 32% for Federal Income tax and 10% in state income tax and their take home is $124,700 or $10,392/mo. So they're only reducing their spending by $2,392/mo not the $17,916 your comment implies.

[@think_ffs3934]

@@lwwarren On general principle, you're right. But I think the real answer is between you two. Federal tax brackets don't work they way you appear to be assuming. You don't pay 32% of the total when you're in that bracket, you pay that only on your top dollars - you pay the same lower rates on the first dollars that people who make less do, so everyone's effective tax rate is much lower as a straight percentage than the top bracket number they hit. Plus, a married couple making $215000 is only in the 24% tax bracket, and they only pay that on the amount they make over about $190,000, with lower rates to each bracket below that. Combine those two facts, and a couple making $215,000 sees about an 18% actual federal income tax burden. That comes up when you add in other federal non-income taxes like social security, of course - so maybe you're back at about 24% total burden, but my point is they should have more than the $10,000/month you're calculating here - probably more like $13000-14000.

[@dforrest4503]

It was really useful to see how those changes affected outcomes so dramatically. I’m curious as to how people come up with their spending amounts, as $96k/year after taxes is beyond what I can even imagine. Then again, I live pretty simply.

[@RootFP]

Happy it was helpful!

[@eileenfrancis9491]

If they live in a high property tax area, if they still have a mortgage, if they are paying a high price for healthcare before Medicare. Just a few examples, but I'd be curious about the make up of that too.

[@nancysperry8334]

very helpful to see case study so clearly. We just walked through this with our planner and your video helped a lot.

[@DavidJohnson-zv5ir]

Yes, very helpful to see an actual plan and how changes make a difference

[@RootFP]

Thanks David. I’ll start preparing more videos like this.

[@kevinthailand2567]

The elephant in the room you ignored was their $750,000 home equity. Given rising home values they could easily tap into 3-4% of the value of their home equity annually (reverse mortgage) without touching that asset value today ($750,000 equity) and not requiring them to work at all.

[@heidikamrath1951]

Did he say the home was paid-off? I missed that part.

[@livingaboard]

Reverse mortgages are garbage the majority of the time

[@jdgolf499]

The question should not be "how much can I spend," it should be "how much do I need."

[@macgeek2112]

Yes! This video was helpful and it's very close to my current situation. Thank you.

[@jerns5970]

This was great! Please do more of these.

[@CD-ql9hz]

So they’re currently making $215k annually and only saving $18k? Less than 10% total. I believe they have a spending problem. I don’t think they will be happy cutting their income in half. I suspect they still have a mortgage and other debt. I don’t think they’re close to retirement.

[@DefinitelyNotRin]

I mean the scenario of spending 8k a month seems insane to me as well lol. Like you have a paid off house, no debt but spend 8k a month?

[@mykeva1]

Yeah and they want $8k a month and that doesn’t include travel?

[@elainep.3790]

This was a very helpful case study. I am also happy to see that it is a bit more realistic to many folks versus using a portfolio that has multiple million dollars. I listen to quite a few retirement planning podcasts and I can't tell you just how disheartening is is for me to hear them use case studies in which the person(s) have a net worth of 3, 4 or 5 + MILLION of dollars in their portfolios. I get that how much one has in the retirement portfolio is all "relative" but it's nice to encounter a case study in which the portfolio is not in the multi-million dollar range.

[@KatieCissell]

this is amazing--just found your videos and they are so informative and clear. Love watching them, especially these case studies

[@scottharper9645]

My wife and I retired in 2018 at the same time. I was 65, she was 61. I started SS and we both had pensions. We had no debts except a car lease and owed nothing on our house where we moved to in Ohio from Hawaii. Our income was 85K per year after retirement. We had 990K in 401’s. Due to inheritances our assets increased by 700K 2 years later and our daughter is now a trust fund baby with a very good income after completing her 2nd masters and finding her dream job. All and all our our worries are solved.

[@pensacola321]

The only thing worse than having a million dollars for retirement is not having a million dollars for retirement.... 😊

[@lwwarren]

And thinking a million dollars is a lot of money.

[@thomasridley6591]

This was very helpful, thanks.

[@Futureretiree]

One of your best videos yet. Please do more of the case studies.

[@jpwade3564]

Very well demonstrated and realistic. I like the way you factored in multiple variables and scenarios.Well done

[@davebellish6141]

This was probably the best video I've seen about retirement planning. Thank you!

[@kshfly1982]

This was excellent, and I just subscribed. Really enjoy the case study approach. I also use Right Capital so it's helpful to see how you work through the software in different scenarios.

[@svviajero1284]

Very helpful, James. I agree with some other commenters about adding in ROTH conversions. How best to allocate windfalls would also be helpful.

[@x-ray_man3359]

Well done! I love how you add the small changes.

[@user-tw2qi1yo3m]

Loved the case study and how you analyzed it. Thank you very informative and helpful with my retirement situation .

[@RootFP]

Great!

[@martygibson1290]

This was perfect, real life examples are the best! Keep it up. Thanks

[@user-fq8zz8qf6s]

Thank you so much James for the very useful info in your presentation.

[@shadow9679]

Excellent video my situation parallels the example shown with a few minor differences. Your layman's terminology (dumbing it down) for your customers is important in guiding their decision.

[@RootFP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tchu27]

This is very helpful!

[@Empty7775]

Good job on the explanation of that. those were good round numbers and easy to follow.

[@scottphillips6847]

The numbers in this scenario are very close to my own. I love the tool you're using for this. Very helpful to pose different scenarios and to "stress test" other outcomes.

[@btsandiego5504]

Very helpful! I think you make this complex concept so simple to understand.

[@shadowski72]

Yes, please more examples and comments. It helps to drive the points home. Especially when I share the links with family and friends.

[@tomtrainor6565]

James this is very helpful in showing real life examples. Thank you

[@davebradford7800]

Very helpful to have examples! Thanks James

[@davidtucker7730]

Nice illustration of a scenario. Very helpful thank you 👍

[@RootFP]

Thanks, David 🙏🏼

[@bryanmoyer1359]

Great job explaining it all! Please do more videos like this.

[@charlesrichardson8635]

Very useful. Got me to subscribe! A blend of "lecture" and modeling is good. Take this one out further and show the adjustments that move this form 74% to 95% throughout the SMILE.

[@Alan-mf9to]

Hi James, this is the exact info we are looking for, please keep going. My husband and I are 59, thinking about retiring at 62~63, we love traveling. Today case on this video definitely answered our questions and gave us more confidence about our financial situation if we do decide to retire earlier than 65. Thank you. BTW, just subscribed