Budget & Save: How Long Will Your Money Last? A Simple Spending Comparison
- davidewhitebooks
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 16
Thinking out loud. Yes, I was a Boy Scout, and the motto is: “Be Prepared.” That lesson stuck with me, especially when it comes to handling money wisely.
So in that spirit, let’s talk about building generational wealth by asking a key question:
Spending Breakdown: How Long Will Your Money Last Without Investing?
This simple chart breaks down how long different lump sums will last with no interest, no investing, just spending at either $6,000 or $10,000 per month.
Annual Spending Amounts
$6,000/month = $72,000/year
$10,000/month = $120,000/year
Real-Life Example of the Math
If you have $1,000,000 and spend $6,000/month:
$6,000 × 12 = $72,000/year
$1,000,000 ÷ $72,000 = 13.9 years to last
If you spend $10,000/month:
$10,000 × 12 = $120,000/year
$1,000,000 ÷ $120,000 = 8.3 years
💰 Money Longevity Table
If you spend $6,000/month ($72,000/year):
$100,000 lasts 1.4 years
$200,000 lasts 2.8 years
$300,000 lasts 4.2 years
$400,000 lasts 5.6 years
$500,000 lasts 6.9 years
$600,000 lasts 8.3 years
$700,000 lasts 9.7 years
$800,000 lasts 11.1 years
$900,000 lasts 12.5 years
$1,000,000 lasts 13.9 years
If you spend $10,000/month ($120,000/year):
$100,000 lasts 0.8 years
$200,000 lasts 1.7 years
$300,000 lasts 2.5 years
$400,000 lasts 3.3 years
$500,000 lasts 4.2 years
$600,000 lasts 5.0 years
$700,000 lasts 5.8 years
$800,000 lasts 6.7 years
$900,000 lasts 7.5 years
$1,000,000 lasts 8.3 years
Why This Matters: Be Prepared, Budget, Save & Invest
Looking at this chart, the reality becomes clear:
Even a million dollars doesn’t last forever, especially without a plan.
Here’s why preparation and discipline are so important:
✅ Budgeting gives your money a purpose.
It helps you avoid waste, track spending, and protect against financial drift.
✅ Saving builds your cushion.
Life happens. A savings buffer can help you stay afloat during emergencies and unexpected changes.
✅ Knowing what to expect before you go is powerful.
Seeing how long your money will last helps guide smarter choices now, rather than facing regret later.
✅ Investing is a key way to sustain and grow your wealth.
Spending alone drains your money. Smart investing helps it last longer and keeps it growing.
Final Thought:
Budgeting and saving protect your money. Investing is what keeps it alive.
If you’ve been blessed with a lump sum, whether through hard work, inheritance, or other means, don’t just spend it. Plan, protect it, and let it work for you.
Starting from scratch or living on a tight income? You can still build a solid financial future, even if saving feels out of reach.
You can still build a solid financial future, even if saving feels out of reach.
If seeing the numbers laid out has you thinking twice about how long your money might last, then it’s time to go beyond just math.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel takes it a step further, revealing how our beliefs, habits, and behaviors around money can quietly shape our future. It’s the #1 bestselling book on Amazon for a reason.
Tap here to get your copy on Amazon
Ebook:
Paperback:
And if you’re looking for practical, step-by-step strategies to take control of your finances, whether you’re starting from scratch or managing a lump sum, check out the three books I’ve written to guide you. They’re designed to help you budget wisely, save intentionally, and prepare for a secure future.
📚 Books by David E. White
Available now in Kindle eBook and Paperback formats on Amazon
📘 HOW TO BUDGET & SAVE
UNLOCK FINANCIAL FREEDOM: SIMPLE BUDGETING STRATEGIES FOR EVERY INCOME LEVEL
This book shows you how to take control of your money with simple steps that help you budget confidently at any income level.
Kindle eBook: https://amzn.to/496Y96M
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4epX4aU
📙 RETIREMENT PLANNING HANDBOOK
Your Guide to Financial Freedom, Health, and Happiness in the Golden Years
This guide helps you prepare for a secure and healthy retirement with practical financial and lifestyle strategies.
Kindle eBook: https://amzn.to/47yDO9m
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4lptFQp
📗 PERSONAL FINANCE FOR TEENS AND PARENTS
How to Budget, Save, and Invest as a Family for a Lifetime of Financial Success
This book helps families build financial confidence together through budgeting, saving, and investing as a team.
Kindle eBook: https://amzn.to/49bmFnh
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4otKmMk
📖 Stay tuned, more helpful books are on the way!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep this blog active, allowing me to continue sharing practical tips on budgeting, saving, and retirement planning. Thank you!
David E. White
Veteran | Author | Blogger | Financial Educator
Over 20 Years of Business Ownership Experience
NEW Vision, LLC
Very simple to understand ! I’m re-thinking about how much to save.