‘I spend $7.5K a month’: I’m 47 and have $3 million saved. Can I retire at 50?

MarketWatch
by Quentin Fottrell
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A 47-year-old man with $3 million saved and no mortgage on his $520,000 home is wondering if retiring at 50 is realistic. Making $260,000 annually, he spends $7,500 a month but could cut back if needed. With $75,000 in cash, $1.1 million in a taxable brokerage account, and $1.8 million in his 401(k), he is evaluating his financial situation to determine whether early retirement is feasible. His primary assets include his home, worth $520,000, with no mortgage payments and $11,000 in annual property taxes. His cash reserve of $75,000 provides liquidity, while his taxable brokerage account and 401(k) hold a combined $2.9 million. This substantial savings allows him to consider retiring before the traditional age of 65. However, factors such as healthcare costs, potential market volatility, and lifestyle expenses must be carefully evaluated. While he has significant assets and no mortgage obligations, ensuring long-term financial stability requires careful planning
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Originally published on MarketWatch on 2/23/2026