Retiring in 1970: $2M grew to $17M on a 4% withdrawal

Retiring in 1970 with $2M and a 4% inflation-adjusted withdrawal, the portfolio grew to $17M after 50 years. Its worst year was 2008, when the S&P 500 lost 35.2% including dividends. A 1970 retiree began in a recession, with inflation already above 5% and the worst of the 1970s still ahead.