The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your total portfolio value each year in retirement. This approach adjusts your income based on portfolio performance rather than a fixed spending target.
How the 4% Rule Works
Each year, you withdraw 4% of your total portfolio value. In good market years, you withdraw more; in down years, less. The default allocation is 96% from tax-deferred, 2% from tax-exempt, and 2% from brokerage. This scenario does not use a fixed income target.
With 4% annual withdrawal
How each account type evolves
SS + Pension + 4% Portfolio Draw