College bills and retirement — at the same time
Age
40
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Income
$92k/yr
Saved
$185k
A 40-year-old Philadelphia teacher earns $92k as head of household with two children (ages 13 and 10). Back-to-back college costs will hit hard in years 5–11. With $185k saved and $72k in annual expenses, the retirement timeline depends on getting through the education years intact.
As entered, this plan does not reach a workable retirement at the ages tested. The table shows what each option looks like and why.
| Retire at | Full-time years left | Semi-retired years | Best Monte Carlo success |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 7 | 0 | Runs out of money |
UNSUSTAINABLE: Assets depleted at age 46 With 7 years of high-salary work, this plan cannot sustain expenses to age 90.
To improve: increase income, reduce expenses, or extend working years.
Note: Includes $340k in planned life events.
Social Security: $24k/yr starting at age 67 is included. Healthcare: $18k/yr before Medicare at 65.
This example uses illustrative figures and should not be treated as financial advice.