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

INVESTING
Last updated June 26, 2024 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

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

Unlock up to $1,070 value over the next year with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Discover it® Cash Back(Rates and fees) card has no annual fee, and Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This generous welcome offer and the top-notch cash back rewards provides an estimated $1,070 value in the first year!

The excellent $1,070 first-year value is estimated through the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model based on spending, the welcome bonus, and the annual fee. The actual value will be determined by how much and in which categories you spend, but this card makes racking up valuable rewards easy! Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, including gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. The welcome offer combined with the up to 5% cash back reward rate could be worth up to 10% cash back!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR 17.74% - 27.74% Variable. To top it all off, the Discover it® Cash Back is accepted by 99% of merchants, and there's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now for the Discover it® Cash Back.

Cover your household appliances with a home warranty

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more. Not being able to make repairs could leave you in a bad situation — but a home warranty could protect you against surprise expenses.

Whether you’re a brand-new homeowner or you’ve owned your home for years, a plan from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where homeowner’s insurance falls short.

If a covered system in your home breaks down, you can call their hotline 24/7 for assistance to get it repaired. They have a network of over 15,000 technicians that can assist you, making sure any issue can be taken care of swiftly — without breaking the bank.

Not sure if it’s for you? Rest easy: they were named one of the "Best Home Warranty Companies" by US News 360 Reviews and were awarded Best Company's 2020 Consumer's Choice Award. For a limited time, you can get your first month free when you sign up for a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Pay no interest on balance transfers into 2026

Imagine getting 18 months with 0% intro APR on a balance transfer. 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 18.74% - 28.74% (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, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25. 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.
— Select a state below —