How Much Can I Withdraw in Retirement?

How much can I withdraw in retirement without running out of money?

A common starting point is the 4% rule: withdraw about 4% of your savings in year one, then adjust that amount for inflation. It is a rule of thumb, not a promise. Your real number depends on Social Security timing, taxes on each withdrawal, required minimum distributions, early market losses and how many years you plan for.

Does the 4% rule still work?

Treat it as a starting point. It came from studies of past U.S. stock and bond returns over 30-year periods. A bad market in the first few years of retirement, called sequence-of-returns risk, hurts more than the same drop later.

Which account should I withdraw from first?

The usual order is taxable savings, then pre-tax IRAs and 401(k)s, then Roth money last. Followed strictly, that can raise lifetime tax. Drawing a little from pre-tax accounts in low-income years can fill lower tax brackets on purpose.

How does Social Security change my withdrawal?

Every dollar of Social Security or pension income is a dollar you do not have to withdraw. Your claiming age changes that number for life, so decide it as part of the whole income plan.

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Who answered this question

Dr. Pat Pachciarz® is a Private Wealth Advisor + Tax Strategist, CEPA®, and Founder & CEO of The Pinnacle Group®, with 20+ years in private wealth management, including J.P. Morgan Private Client Group. He serves Oswego and Aurora, IL, from Aurora, and virtually in all 50 states. Call 815-486-0722.

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Retirement Income: How Much You Can Safely Withdraw