This article is reprinted with permission from Esq. Wealth Management, Inc.
Embarking on retirement isn’t just about reaching the finish line; it’s about ensuring your financial well-being for the journey ahead. While the accumulation phase demands disciplined savings and savvy investments, the transition into retirement necessitates a shift in focus towards intelligent withdrawal strategies. At EsqWealth, we recognize that retirees face a myriad of questions, and we can help guide you through these critical decisions.
We understand the complexities surrounding annual withdrawals, the choice between IRA and brokerage accounts, and the critical decision between fixed percentages, fixed amounts, or systematic withdrawals. As you navigate this intricate landscape, our goal is to empower you with insights tailored to your unique situation, considering both your timeline and tax implications.
Below we shed light on four common withdrawal strategies—each with its merits and potential pitfalls. From the widely known 4% Rule to fixed-dollar, fixed-percentage, and systematic withdrawals, we explore the nuances that make these strategies unique. It’s crucial to note that one size does not fit all; personal circumstances, market volatility, and unexpected expenses play pivotal roles in determining the most suitable approach.
4 Common Withdrawal Strategies
There are a number of ways you can go about withdrawing money in retirement. As always, it helps to get advice from a trusted financial advisor, but it never hurts to educate yourself on some options beforehand. We’ve compiled a list of four below that are commonly used. Which one sounds like the best fit for you?
- The 4% Rule
You’ve probably heard of the 4% rule, a guideline suggesting that you withdraw 4% of your retirement savings in the first year of retirement, adjusting for inflation in subsequent years.[1] For instance, if you have $3 million in retirement savings, you withdraw $120,000 in the first year.
This rule aims to provide a steady income while keeping the principal balance largely intact. However, it’s not one-size-fits-all. The rule doesn’t account for market volatility, interest rate trends, tax implications, unexpected expenses, or changing personal circumstances.
- Fixed-Dollar Withdrawals
Some retirees choose to withdraw a set amount of money each year for a certain number of years. For instance, you might opt to take out $100,000 every year and then check if this amount still works for you after five years. This approach gives you a steady income to plan your budget around, but it doesn’t consider the rising cost of living due to inflation. Also, if you set the amount too high, you might start eating too far into the money you have invested. Plus, if the market is down and your investments are worth less, you might have to sell more than you’d like to get the cash you need.[2]
- Fixed-Percentage Withdrawals
Another withdrawal strategy is to take out a certain percentage of your total investments each year.[3] How much money you’ll get can change since it depends on how much your portfolio is worth at the time. This can make your annual income a bit unpredictable, but if you withdraw a smaller percentage than what your investments are expected to earn, your income and the value of your account could actually go up over time. But be careful—if you take out too much, you might run out of money sooner than you think.
For example, if you have $3 million saved up for retirement, and you decide to withdraw 3% per year, you’ll have $90,000 to use that year.
- Systematic Withdrawals
With a systematic withdrawal strategy, you only withdraw the income (such as dividends or interest) created by the underlying investments in your portfolio. Because your principal remains intact, this is designed to prevent you from running out of money and may afford you the potential to grow your investments over time, while still providing retirement income.[4] However, the amount of income you receive in any given year will vary, since it depends on market performance. There’s also the risk that the amount you’re able to withdraw won’t keep pace with inflation.
Concluding Thoughts
In the intricate landscape of retirement planning, the right withdrawal strategy can be the compass that guides you toward financial peace of mind. While we’ve explored four common approaches above, the intricacies of your financial portrait demand personalized attention. At EsqWealth, we thrive on tailoring strategies to your unique circumstances, ensuring that your retirement journey aligns seamlessly with your aspirations. If you find yourself at the crossroads of retirement decision-making or seek refinement in your current approach, we are here to provide the help needed to navigate the complexities of withdrawal strategies and their tax implications.
[1] “What Are Retirement Withdrawal Strategies?” BlackRock, 2023, www.blackrock.com/us/individual/education/retirement/withdrawal-rules-and-strategies. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
[2] “What Are Retirement Withdrawal Strategies?” BlackRock, 2023, www.blackrock.com/us/individual/education/retirement/withdrawal-rules-and-strategies. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
[3] “What Are Retirement Withdrawal Strategies?” BlackRock, 2023, www.blackrock.com/us/individual/education/retirement/withdrawal-rules-and-strategies. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
[4] “What Are Retirement Withdrawal Strategies?” BlackRock, 2023, www.blackrock.com/us/individual/education/retirement/withdrawal-rules-and-strategies. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
The information above is not intended to and should not be construed as specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The opinions voiced are for general information only and are not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. To discuss specific recommendations for any unique situation, please feel free to contact us.