Retirement Drawdown & 4% Rule Calculator
Will your savings last through retirement? Enter what you’ve saved and what you’d spend, and see how many years it lasts with inflation-adjusted withdrawals — plus what a sustainable “4% rule” withdrawal would look like.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 4% rule?
A well-known rule of thumb: in your first year of retirement you withdraw 4% of your savings, then increase that dollar amount with inflation each year. Historically, that pace has lasted about 30 years in most market scenarios. It’s a starting guideline, not a guarantee.
Why does the calculator increase my withdrawal each year?
To keep your buying power steady. If prices rise ~2% a year, you need ~2% more dollars each year to afford the same lifestyle. You can turn this off to see the result with a flat withdrawal.
What return should I assume?
A conservative number is wise for retirement — many planners use something like 4–5% nominal for a balanced portfolio. Remember this tool uses a single steady return; real markets are bumpy.
What is “sequence of returns risk”?
It’s the danger that poor market returns early in retirement — while you’re also withdrawing — do lasting damage, even if the long-run average is fine. That’s why a steady-return estimate can be optimistic, and why many retirees stay flexible with spending.