Investing - Theory, News & General • Re: When success rate doesn't paint the full picture

I wonder what the principal reasons are that retirees starting out with large portfolios end up with, say, 10% or less of their original portfolio left when they die?

I’ve never seen any studies on that.

I’d assume high medical or LTC expenses, fraud, excessive gifting to family & charity, poor investment choices? Maybe even sheer longevity?

If you are in the 25% that need 24/7 care, your money goes fast.

My FIL was living on $60,000 a year, until 24/7 care, now it's $250,000 - $300,000 a year.

That's a jump one can't plan for. You just pay it until you're broke.

Statistics: Posted by HomerJ — Mon Oct 26, 2026 10:19 pm