Withdrawal & Drawdown
12 articles in Withdrawal & Drawdown
The 4% Rule: Does It Still Work? How It Fails and What to Use Instead
The 4% rule says you can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio in retirement. But new research says the real number is 3.9% — or 5.7%. Here's what changed.
8 min read
The Trinity Study, Updated: Modern Safe Withdrawal Rates
The 4% rule isn't dead, but it needs an upgrade. Why modern research suggests 3.7% and how dynamic strategies support higher withdrawals.
10 min read
Sequence of Returns Risk: Why Timing Changes Everything
Two retirees with identical returns can end up $1.9 million apart. How sequence of returns risk destroys retirement plans.
Retirement Withdrawal Strategy: How to Pull Money Out Tax-Efficiently
The order you withdraw from retirement accounts can save or cost you $100,000+ in taxes. Here's the tax-efficient strategy most retirees miss.
Sequence of Returns Risk: The Threat to Early Retirement
Sequence of returns risk can destroy a retirement portfolio even when average returns are fine. Here's how it works, with real numbers and fixes.
Required Minimum Distributions: Age, Rules, and Calculations
Required minimum distributions force you to withdraw from retirement accounts starting at age 73. Here's how to calculate your RMD and reduce the tax hit.
RMD Age: When You Must Start Withdrawing from Retirement Accounts
The RMD age is now 73 or 75, depending on when you were born. Here's exactly when you must start withdrawing and which accounts are affected.
How Every Type of Retirement Withdrawal Gets Taxed
Traditional IRA, Roth, 401(k), brokerage, pension, Social Security — each gets taxed differently in retirement. Here's the complete breakdown.
Are 401(k) Withdrawals Earned Income? Tax Rules Explained
401(k) withdrawals are taxable income but NOT earned income. That distinction affects Social Security, IRA contributions, EITC, and Medicare premiums.
Will You Run Out of Money in Retirement? Key Strategies
63% of Americans fear running out of money more than death. Here are five evidence-based strategies to make sure your retirement savings actually last.
Retirement Drawdown Strategy: Spending Your Savings Wisely
A retirement drawdown strategy breaks your retirement into phases with different account priorities, tax moves, and spending levels. Here's the full plan.
The Bucket Strategy: Organizing Your Retirement Portfolio
The bucket strategy splits your retirement portfolio into short, medium, and long-term segments. Here's how to set it up, refill it, and avoid its traps.