Withdrawal strategy

Which account do I draw from first, and in what order?

Guides

4 guides in this topic.

The Bucket Strategy: How to Never Sell Stocks in a Crash

The bucket strategy keeps 1-2 years of expenses in cash so you never sell stocks in a downturn. Here's the exact math and setup for retirement income buckets.

9 min read

The 4% Rule: Does It Still Work in 2026?

The 4% rule has guided retirement planning for 30 years. Here's what the original research actually said, what's changed, and how to adjust it for longer retirements.

9 min read

Sequence of Returns Risk: Why It Matters More Than Average Returns

Two retirees can experience the same average return over 30 years but have completely different outcomes depending on when the bad years hit. This is sequence of returns risk — and it's the main reason average-return calculators mislead.

9 min read

Safe Withdrawal Rate in 2026: What the Research Actually Says

The 4% rule is the starting point, but a full picture of safe withdrawal rate research includes Pfau's lower estimates for long retirements, dynamic withdrawal strategies, and CAPE-ratio adjustments for current valuations.

9 min read