What is the minimum you're required to withdraw from a $500,000 retirement account?

MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money What is the minimum you're required to withdraw from a $500,000 retirement account? We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Angelica Leicht Angelica Leicht Senior Editor, Managing Your Money Angelica Leicht is the senior editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications. Read Full Bio Angelica Leicht May 5, 2026 / 2:08 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Knowing how much you're required to withdraw in retirement can help you avoid costly missteps and make the most of your savings. Nora Carol Photography/Getty Images Retirement planning has always required a careful balance between saving enough and spending wisely. But for the millions of Americans who are nearing or already in retirement, the focus eventually shifts from accumulating more funds to distributing them — and that transition can come with strict rules that catch people off guard. One of the most important, though, and one of the most often misunderstood, is how much you're required to withdraw from certain retirement accounts each year.Those required withdrawals, known as required minimum distributions (RMDs), have taken on renewed importance. With stock market volatility common, inflation rising and retirees increasingly relying on tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, the timing and size of withdrawals can have a direct impact on your long-term financial security. Withdraw too much, and your savings may not last. Withdraw too little, and you could face harsh penalties.And, for those with substantial retirement balances — let's say $500,000 — t...