What if the most important number in your retirement plan isn’t your average return but the order of your returns? We dig into the real mechanics of “safe” withdrawals—why the famous 4% rule became a staple, how William Bengen’s updated 4.7% changes the picture, and where a conservative 3% mindset fits for those who value longevity protection over maximum income. Along the way, we translate the math into plain English and show what these percentages mean for an everyday income gap.
We walk through clear examples: how a $40,000 annual gap could require $1.33M at 3%, $851K at 4.7%, or potentially much less capital when using a guaranteed lifetime income solution. Then we tackle the silent threat most people underestimate: sequence of returns risk. Same average, different order, wildly different outcomes. You’ll hear why early losses can set a plan on a path that later gains can’t fix, and how to design around that with cash buffers, flexible withdrawals, and purpose-built guarantees.
This conversation isn’t about picking a single magic percentage. It’s about constructing a resilient system that blends probability and certainty—covering nonnegotiable needs with dependable income and investing the rest for growth to fight inflation. If you’ve ever wondered how much you can really spend without outliving your money, this is your roadmap to smarter withdrawals, steadier nerves, and a plan you can live with for decades. Enjoy the episode, share it with someone planning retirement, and don’t forget to follow the show and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.
Sources:
Holistic Retirement Planning: Enhancing Outcomes with Insurance Products - By Ernst & Young [URL: https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/insurance/retirement-insurance-plans-and-products-with-maximum-benefits]
Blackrock Sequence of Returns Risk Chart [URL: https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual/insights/retirement-income]
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Disclosure: Information contained in this podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and should not be considered as financial advice. Financial Planning and Advisory Services are offered through Prosperity Capital Advisors (“PCA”), an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Keystone Financial Group and PCA are separate, non- affiliated entities. PCA does not provide tax or legal advice.
