Not only that, but even if you could put $7K every year into an IRA, and even if the investment returned a steady 7% per year risk free (HAHA!), in 30 years, it's grown to ~$660K, which, sure, is a nice chunk of change, but at a 3% draw down rate, you'll need to live on less than $20K/year. You'll need to be really frugal. Move to a super low cost of living area and go back to eating ramen. And don't get seriously sick or injured. And don't have dependents to house, feed, and educate...