Step 5. Consider income from your investments
Let’s say you have enough Social Security to cover half your $60,000 annual costs. If you have a lifetime stream of income from a pension, annuity or similar source, that could reduce your dependence on investment-only income.
While it is impossible to predict a future return on your investments, here’s a range of outcomes to consider:
- A $1 million investment earning (before taxes):
- 2% per year would return $20,000.
- 3% would yield $30,000.
- 4% would yield $40,000.
- 5% would yield $50,000.
However, unless the money is coming from a tax-exempt account, your actual income would be less after taxes.
A portfolio with a yield of 4% to 5% on a $1 million account would typically provide a before-tax income in the range of $40,000 to $50,000. Combined with your Social Security income ($30,000 in this example), you would hypothetically have enough to cover your current expenses and income taxes and add to your principal to help make up for the effects of inflation.
If, over the course of your retirement, you manage to live off your annual investment yield without tapping into your principal, your legacy would take care of itself. The balance left in your investment account (along with any other assets) could ultimately make up the legacy you leave behind for your heirs and favorite causes.
Boost your retirement savings at any age
While your own situation will likely vary, there are ways to cut your expenses and focus more on your retirement savings. Using these steps of retirement planning as a starting point, you could potentially produce enough income to help keep your retirement lifestyle where you want it to be.
Learn more about retirement investment opportunities at Thrivent.