Aug 27, 2025
While the idea of being a millionaire seems like a one-way ticket to an easy life, the truth is, a million dollars doesn’t last very long.
Take the case of Andrew. He’s 35, and just inherited $1 million from his deceased grandfather. He currently has $200,000 in savings between his retirement accounts and investment funds, and owes $30,000 on a car loan.
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Andrew has never believed he was “born to work” and sees this windfall as his chance to walk away from the grind once and for all, but is it really that simple? We crunched the numbers.
The cost of living
Even though $1 million is a large sum of money, retiring at 35 with that amount likely wouldn’t be as easy as it sounds. At that age, you’re looking at 50 years or more of living expenses, and inflation, market volatility, and big life events — from medical bills to raising a family — can eat into that balance quickly.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average single person in the U.S. spends about $4,600 per month between their necessary and discretionary spending. If Andrew tried to live off his $1 million, he’d need to invest it in the market and consistently see solid returns just to keep pace with inflation.
And that assumes he never has any major new costs. For example, the average household with children spends nearly $9,000 a month, which would push those funds to the breaking point much sooner.
Even then, he’d have to stick to a very frugal lifestyle, one that leaves little room for surprises like health issues or rising housing costs.
With a million dollars in the bank, it’s easy to imagine splurging on luxury vacations, upgrading to a nicer car or buying the latest tech gadgets. But even a few large purchases early on could shave years off the life of his inheritance. Kiplinger reports that inheritors are at a greater risk for substance abuse or other self-destructive behaviors than the general population.
The reality is that the money would only last if he lived with extreme discipline, cutting back on discretionary spending and resisting the pull of “living like a millionaire.”
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What Andrew should do with his money instead
Andrew can certainly use his funds to supplement his lifestyle, but considering it a one-way ticket to never working again isn’t the wisest option. Instead, there are some things he can do right away to set himself up for success:
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- Pay off his $30,000 in debt
- Max out contributions to his retirement accounts
- Create an emergency fund
Carrying debt means paying interest that steadily drains wealth, so eliminating it immediately gives him a guaranteed return. Maxing out his retirement contributions gives the inheritance decades to compound. Finally, setting aside a solid emergency fund ensures that when unexpected costs arise, he won’t have to raid his investments or disrupt his financial plan.
From there, he can look at investment strategies that align with his goals. For example, he may elect to invest in dividend stocks, which could generate an annual payout of around 3% to 4%. While this is unlikely to be enough to live on, it could give him enough extra income to scale back his hours or switch to a more fulfilling job.
Finally, Andrew should meet with a certified financial advisor and a tax professional before making any major moves. An advisor can help him build a balanced portfolio tailored to his goals, while a tax expert can ensure he doesn’t trigger unnecessary liabilities. Professional guidance not only helps him stretch his inheritance further, it also provides accountability so he’s less likely to make emotional or impulsive money decisions.
Why windfalls don’t last
Inheriting wealth can lead to more problems than it solves. Thomas Shortreed, a behavioral financial advisor in Cortland, Ohio, spoke to Fidelity about why so many people lose their big payday.
“Money is very emotional. It feels good in the short run to buy things you haven’t had or always wanted.”
In fact, lottery winners are more likely to declare bankruptcy than the average person, even if their winnings were relatively small.
Andrew’s desire to retire is understandable — most people dream about walking away from their jobs after a big payday. But the real opportunity here isn’t in quitting tomorrow. It’s in using the money wisely to buy long-term freedom. The best way to make this inheritance truly life-changing is to put it to work for his future, rather than spend it down in the present.
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Rebecca Holland is dedicated to creating clear, accessible advice for readers navigating the complexities of money management, investing and financial planning. Her work has been featured in respected publications including the Financial Post, The Globe & Mail, and the Edmonton Journal.
