Retirement Planning: Ensuring Your $2 Million IRA Lasts a Lifetime

As a 67-year-old with a $2 million IRA, you may be wondering how to make your money last the rest of your life. Retirement planning is crucial, and a balanced approach can help ensure your financial security. This article explores strategies to make your IRA last, considering market trends, inflation, and tax implications.

First, let's address the 4% rule, a popular retirement withdrawal strategy. This rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in the first year, adjusting for inflation annually. However, this rule may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with higher or lower risk tolerance or unique financial circumstances.



To account for inflation, consider using an inflation-adjusted withdrawal strategy or diversifying your portfolio to include assets that typically perform well during inflationary periods, such as real estate and commodities. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing an inflation-adjusted annuity, which provides a guaranteed income stream that increases with inflation.



Diversifying your portfolio is essential for balancing risk and return. Maintain a balanced mix of stocks, bonds, and cash, and spread your stock investments across various sectors. Include high-quality bonds and consider annuities to provide steady income and protect against market volatility. Real estate and alternative investments can further diversify your portfolio, but be cautious and allocate a small percentage to these higher-risk assets.



Tax implications are an essential factor in retirement planning. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income. Consider Roth conversions to minimize taxes in retirement, and be mindful of the top federal income tax rate, which is 37% in 2024. Income annuities can provide a guaranteed income stream for life or a set period, but keep in mind that a portion of the income may be taxable.

In conclusion, ensuring your $2 million IRA lasts the rest of your life requires a balanced approach that considers market trends, inflation, and tax implications. By implementing a combination of withdrawal strategies, diversifying your portfolio, and accounting for taxes, you can create a solid plan to make your IRA last throughout your retirement. Consult with a financial advisor to tailor these strategies to your specific situation and ensure your financial security.