A couple in their late 40s supporting an aging parent while funding college and retirement
Linda, 48, & Rob, 50, Columbus OH
exampleMarried, one teenager at home, Rob's mother living nearby and receiving financial help · $186k/yr household income
They're balancing monthly financial support for Rob's aging mother, aggressive 529 catch-up contributions for their 16-year-old, and retirement savings with roughly 15 years left on the clock
Linda & Rob are balancing monthly financial support for Rob's aging mother, aggressive 529 catch-up contributions for their 16-year-old, and retirement savings with roughly 15 years left on the clock The real question: Can we afford ongoing parent-care costs, a 529 for our teenager, and still retire in our mid-60s without running out of money?
There’s a gap to close$2.0M
Projected net worth at retirement (2041)
Retirement year
2041
Safe withdrawal / yr
$59k
Spending need / yr
$78k
First shortfall
2066
Modeled year by year, the plan runs short before the finish line. That doesn’t mean the goal is off the table. It means one or two levers (savings rate, timing, or the size of the purchase) need to move, and seeing exactly where and when is the value.
Your situation is more like this than a rule of thumb
Model your real household — kids, a home, a big expense — free in under a minute.
Get my verdict →An illustrative example household. The numbers are modeled by Rightmont’s engine from these inputs; your real answer depends on your full picture. Educational only, not financial advice.