Can we retire on $170,000 in savings and maintain our current lifestyle?

This piece tackles a hope many couples share and few like to examine closely: retiring soon on modest savings without giving up the life they're used to. It works through the gap between what's been set aside and what a comfortable retirement actually costs, and what that gap means for the choices ahead. The honest answer involves levers most people would rather not pull, such as staying in the workforce a while longer or trimming day-to-day spending to make the money last. It also weighs how government benefits and the timing of when you start them fit into a tight plan. It's most relevant to a couple approaching retirement who suspect their nest egg may be light and want a clear-eyed look before they commit to leaving work.