$2.5M Saved. But How Much Can You Actually Spend?

Find out if you're working longer than you need to: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start... Get free access to the same professional retirement planning software we use with our clients: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/right... You've saved $2.5 million for retirement. By every measure, you should feel ready. So why does spending it still feel terrifying? In this video, I walk through three retirement pitfalls I'd want addressed before telling a 60-year-old with $2.5 million, "Yes, you can retire." These aren't problems you can solve from a statement balance — they're the gaps that turn a healthy portfolio into a plan that quietly underperforms in the years that matter most. I'll show you why your account balance isn't your spendable retirement money, what the bridge to Medicare actually costs (and why most plans bury it in the wrong place), and the bucket income methodology we use to make sure the right dollars are doing the right jobs over a 30-year retirement. By the end, you'll know what questions to ask, what numbers to start gathering, and how to find your real retirement number — not just your statement balance. WATCH NEXT — The truth about retiring at 55 vs 65:    • The Truth About Retiring at 55 Instead of 65   ABOUT ME: I'm Taylor Demars — Certified Financial Planner, tax strategist, and third-generation advisor at Demars Financial Group. I help Americans approaching retirement with $2M–$6M in investable assets build tax-efficient income strategies so they can retire with clarity, confidence, and a plan that accounts for real life. We also prepare taxes in-house, so your retirement plan and tax plan are always coordinated. Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Why $2.5M Doesn't Always Feel Like Enough 01:00 — Pitfall #1: Your Statement Balance Isn't Your Real Number 05:00 — The Survivor Tax Scenario Most Plans Miss 05:50 — Pitfall #2: The Healthcare Gap Before Medicare 09:30 — Pitfall #3: The Two Battles Every Retiree Fights 11:00 — The Bucket Income Methodology Explained 12:50 — The Three Questions To Find Your Real Number 13:20 — Two Ways To Take The Next Step