Retiring in 1969: $1M grew to $1.2M on a 3.5% withdrawal

Retiring in 1969 with $1M and a 3.5% inflation-adjusted withdrawal, the portfolio grew to $1.2M after 50 years. Its worst year was 2008, when the S&P 500 lost 35.2% including dividends. 1969 began with stocks near their highs and inflation rising, and a recession followed in 1969-70.