They ask because those answers will differ among different people, and what&#x27;s worse than asking dumb questions is giving dumb answers that solve <i>somebody else&#x27;s</i> problem, not the one of the person who&#x27;s paying you.<p>If you just want an answer, I&#x27;ll give you an answer: $1M.  That&#x27;ll give you $50K for 20 years, plus whatever interest income you earn over it.  Of course, whether $50K is enough depends upon your personal circumstances, and 20 years depends upon your expected lifespan, and interest income depends upon the rates of return at retirement, and your principal might be depleted by sending kids to college or big home repairs.  But that&#x27;s why the financial advisor asks you questions.