Key Points
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The 4% rule tells you to withdraw 4% of your savings your first year of retirement and adjust future withdrawals for inflation.
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Not understanding who the rule is suited for and how it works could create financial troubles for you.
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Recognize that the rule is meant to support a specific timeline and asset mix, and that it’s more flexible than you might think.
So you’ve done the hard work by saving for retirement consistently and investing your money for growth. Now, as retirement nears, it’s time to start thinking about tapping your IRA or 401(k) for income. And it’s important to have a solid withdrawal strategy to help your money last.
To that end, the 4% rule may be a good plan to follow. The 4% rule tells you to withdraw 4% of your savings your first year of retirement and adjust future withdrawals for inflation.
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So if, for example, you retire with $1 million, you’d withdraw $40,000 of that your first year of retirement. Then, if you need an inflation boost of 2%, you’d add that to your $40,000 withdrawal, bringing your second-year distribution to $40,800.
The 4% rule has long been touted for its simplicity. But misunderstanding how it works could cost you or box you into decisions that don’t suit you well. Here are three big misconceptions about the rule it’s important to sort out ahead of retirement.
1. It works for any timeframe
The 4% rule is based on a 30-year horizon. What this means is that if you’re retiring early and anticipate needing 40 or 45 years of income out of your portfolio, the 4% rule may be too aggressive for you.
2. It’s suitable for any portfolio mix
The 4% rule assumes your portfolio has a fairly equal mix of stocks and bonds. But if you only have 20% of your assets in stocks and the rest in bonds, your investments may not generate a high enough return to support a 4% withdrawal rate over the long term. And on the flipside, a more aggressive portfolio can likely support a more robust withdrawal rate than 4%.
3. There’s no flexibility
Many people assume that if they follow the 4% rule, they have to stick with it through thick and thin. But if the stock market plunges and your portfolio value drops, reducing spending and withdrawals is a smart strategy that could preserve your nest egg. Similarly, if the market is up, there’s no reason not to take advantage periodically by increasing your withdrawal rate above the 4% mark.
The 4% rule could help you stretch your savings during retirement. And it may also take some stress off your plate by giving you a framework to follow. But make sure you understand the rule’s nuances before utilizing it, and recognize that it may be more adaptable than you think.
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