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Investing

5 Things You Need to Know Before Retiring with $500,000 Saved

Last updated Dec. 18, 2025 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

If you have $500,000+, an unstable economy can feel like a threat to your financial security and retirement. But it doesn't have to be. With this guide, you'll learn straightforward moves to help you survive and thrive in an uncertain market, so you can protect your wealth and achieve your financial goals.

Take this quiz to get matched with a financial advisor to help you thrive in a recession

If your investments and retirement accounts are more than $500,000, compare up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors who serve your area and hire the pro who fits your unique needs.

A study by legendary investment firm Vanguard found that, on average, a $500,000 investment over 25 years would grow to $1.7 million if you manage it yourself, but more than $3.4 million if you enlist professional help.

Here’s how to find a financial advisor in the next five minutes:

1. Take this 5-minute retirement quiz from SmartAsset. (Yes, there are a fair amount of questions but they are all easy.)
2. Make sure you enter your zip code towards the end so you get matched with up to three financial advisors1 who serve your area.
3. Once you’ve got your matches, get a free consultation with each!

Take this retirement quiz

Earn a limited-time $300 bonus with this incredible cash back card

Limited Time Offer: For a limited time, the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) is offering a powerful welcome offer: earn a $300 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening (limited-time offer). This is an incredible offer from Chase — do not miss it.

In addition to the welcome offer, this card lets you earn cash back on everything you buy. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. 

And it gets better (really): This card also gives you 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. That means you could finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt for over a year. After the intro period, the APR is 18.49% - 27.99% Variable. Oh, and the annual fee is $0. It's almost a no-brainer to apply. Click below to get started. 

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Don’t pay a CENT to contractors for home repairs until you do this

Sounds crazy. And maybe you’re not even sure if this is real. But … you’re probably curious anyway. Choice Home Warranty makes it so you might be able to save $100s in home repairs!

They’ve been around since 2008 (so you know they’re legit) and they offer affordable plans to cover appliances and systems in your home that could break down from routine wear and tear.

Think of it like this: Say your furnace breaks down during a cold snap. Instead of paying up to $3,000 for repairs, you may only need to pay a $100 service fee with Choice Home Warranty, and the tech comes over and fixes it right away. This could save you up to $2,900 almost instantly!

Choose a plan here and you can still lock in their ultra-low 2025 rates (for a limited time). Then, whenever a covered system in your home breaks down, all you have to do is make your claim online or give them a call. Their team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.2

Choose a plan from Choice Home Warranty here and lock in 2025 rates

P.S. Use the links above and you’ll get $50 off and 1 month free. We don’t know how long this will last, so take advantage of it today before it disappears.

Pay no interest on balance transfers until 2027

Imagine getting 18 months with 0% intro APR on a balance transfer (APR then 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable)). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with this industry-leading card - the Citi Double Cash® Card.

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading get-out-of-debt cards available. Transfer your high interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After the intro period for balance transfers, the APR is 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable). Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest!

It doesn't stop with balance transfers though. Cardholders can also earn double cash back — 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. Even better, you can redeem your cash back as direct deposit, a statement credit, or even a mailed check! You can turn your everyday purchases into cash back and make a dent in your debt, regular bills, or save for the future.

The best part? There's no annual fee with the Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees).

Click here to apply now for the Citi Double Cash® Card

If your investments and retirement accounts are more than $500,000, hire a pro and compare up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors who serve your area based on your unique needs. Click your state to see if you're maximizing your retirement income.
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