The most widely cited starting point for retirement withdrawal planning is the "4% rule," first published by financial adviser William Bengen in 1994 and later expanded by the Trinity Study. It estimates that withdrawing about 4% of a portfolio in the first year of retirement, then adjusting that dollar amount for inflation each year after, has historically had a high probability of lasting 30 years across most stock and bond market conditions.
That is a historical rule of thumb, not a guarantee, and it does not account for your specific mix of accounts, taxes, Social Security timing, or health costs. Use the calculator below to see the general math, then book a free PlanVault review to get a plan built around your actual numbers.
Your free PlanVault review includes
- ✓ A retirement income timeline built around your actual accounts, not a generic rule
- ✓ Social Security claiming-age comparison specific to your situation
- ✓ A licensed advisor match, with no obligation to hire