Not a guarantee
Withdrawal-rate rules are planning heuristics. Inflation, investment mix, fees, taxes, sequence risk and spending flexibility all affect retirement outcomes.
Example
A 1,000,000 portfolio with a 4% withdrawal rate gives 40,000 per year, or about 3,333 per month before taxes and fees.
How to use the result
Use the number as a first planning estimate, then test it against spending needs, inflation, market downturns and other income sources.
Limitations
This is not retirement, tax or investment advice. It does not simulate market returns, lifespan, changing spending, annuities or country-specific pension rules.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17