A seven-year bridge leaves $290,000 at a $2,500 draw
From age 60 to 67 is 84 months. At zero return and inflation, 84 withdrawals of $2,500 use $210,000 of a $500,000 account. The remaining $290,000 still has to fund whatever comes next.
Age 67 is an example endpoint
The chosen ages divide this illustration into two spending phases. They do not assert a benefit eligibility age, payment amount or required retirement date. Use dates from your own records when deciding how long the first phase lasts.
Each bar starts with $500,000 and shows the balance after 84 month-end withdrawals. Zero return and inflation.
If the bridge withdrawal continued
The nine timelines below extend each monthly draw for the whole period. They do not assume a later income payment begins.
| Monthly draw | 0% real | 2% real | 4% real |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | 27y 10m | 40y 5m | No depletion |
| $2,500 | 16y 8m | 20y 3m | 27y 2m |
| $3,500 | 11y 11m | 13y 8m | 16y 1m |
Final dates include a partial payment when needed. “No depletion” assumes the stated constant growth continues.
A lower draw later does not lower the early cost
Suppose the portfolio needs to provide $1,500 monthly after the bridge. The $290,000 remainder funds 193 full payments and one $500 final payment at zero growth. Add those 194 scheduled months to the first 84: the final payment is 23 years and two months after the original start.
Compare the same starting age fairly
Using $1,500 from age 60 would fund 333 full payments and a partial payment in month 334. That is a different plan: it omits the extra $1,000 spent during each of the bridge’s 84 months. Reducing the early withdrawal to $2,000 leaves $332,000 at the phase boundary.
Questions about this calculation
Can I retire at 60 with $500,000?
This example isolates the first seven years rather than deciding whether retirement is affordable. A $2,500 monthly draw leaves $290,000 after that bridge at zero growth. Your later expenses, other income and actual returns determine what that remainder must support.
Why use age 67 in the example?
It is a chosen endpoint for a seven-year bridge. No pension or government benefit starts automatically in the model at that age.
How do I model a lower withdrawal after the bridge?
Run the first phase, then use its remaining balance and the later withdrawal for the next phase. Do not apply the later, lower payment retroactively to earlier years.
Check the assumptions
Original scenarios, reviewed October 25, 2026. Monthly calculation method. Return, income and expense amounts are assumptions; no market forecast or personal recommendation is made.