If you can save enough money now, you can fund your retirement by living off of your returns without draining your nest egg. Luckily, with time and dedication, you can make it happen. The official retirement age for most Americans is 67 years old. But that number largely matters for Social Security benefits. If you want to retire early, however, you will need a plan that relies primarily on your own savings and investments. CNBC crunched the numbers, and we can tell you how much you need to save now to safely get $75,000 of passive income every year in retirement. First, some ground rules. The numbers assume you will retire at 45, have no money in savings now and plan to save a substantial amount of income to reach your goal. For investing, we assume an annual 4% return when you are saving. We do not factor in inflation, taxes or any additional income you may get from Social Security and your 401(k). In retirement, we use the “4% rule,” which is a general principle that says you can comfortably withdraw 4% of your portfolio every year. It is important to note with the recent market volatility, there is a risk you’ll have to lower your spending percentage in the future. Check out this video to get a full breakdown of the numbers.
Category Archives: Analysis
The Economy: How A $15 Minimum Wage Effects It
Biden has identified raising the minimum wage as a key goal of his administration, but economists and lawmakers disagree on the potential impact. WSJ asked two economists and a minimum-wage worker what the costs and benefits of a $15 minimum wage might be. Photo: Bill Clark/Congressional Quarterly/Zuma Press
Covid-19: ‘The Evolving Science Of Masks’ (Video)
How can you tell if the mask you’re wearing is protective enough against the coronavirus? Correspondent David Pogue volunteers as a test subject to see how N95s work and learns about the science of face coverings.
Analysis: ‘Food Delivery Apps vs Restaurants’ (WSJ)
Demand for food delivery has soared amid the pandemic, but restaurants are struggling to survive. In a fiercely competitive industry, delivery services are fighting to gain market share while facing increased pressure to lower commission fees and provide more protection to their workers. Video/Photo: Jaden Urbi/WSJ
Luxury Brands: ‘Why Some Watches Are So Expensive’
Expensive materials, delicate craftsmanship, and an economic principle that turns the usual equation of supply and demand on its head. WSJ explains why some watchmakers can charge hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single timepiece. Illustration: Alex Kuzoian/WSJ
Wildlife Insider: ‘The Archerfish – A Master Hunter With Physics’
The mangroves of Sri Lanka are home to a very special resident. The archerfish might not look that powerful, but it can fire watery arrows to take down its prey from up to two meters away. In this video, we’ll show you the archerfish’s unique hunting strategy, which also involves an astonishing grasp of physics and math. Behind those dual-action eyes, complex calculations are going on…
Architecture: The End Of The ‘Megatall Skyscraper’
It’s the end of an era. Malaysia’s Merdeka PNB118 is the second tallest building ever constructed – and the world’s last megatall skyscraper.
Analysis: The High Cost Of Public Universities (Video)
Tuition at America’s public universities has nearly tripled since 1990. With President Biden looking to ease the burden for some students, experts explain how federal financial aid programs can actually contribute to rising costs. Photo: Storyblocks
Social Media: ‘Clubhouse & Twitter Spaces Explained’
A video to help you understand social audio. Audio-only social-media venues are all the rage right now. How does it all work and what’s there to listen to? WSJ’s Joanna Stern went inside Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces to talk to the people there to find out. Photo illustration: Kenny Wassus for The Wall Street Journal
Analysis: Rise Of 7-Eleven Convenience Stores
7-Eleven, home of the 64-ounce Double Gulp and the Pina Colada Slurpee, has helped revolutionize the way we shop at convenience stores. In March 2019, the 90-year-old brand launched its first Evolution Store. Featuring fresh food options and specialty alcohol, the new store concept is aimed at a new generation of consumers. And with consumer behavior changing due to Covid-19, the convenience store industry could be on the verge of a profound change.