RetirementWithdrawals·Apr 28, 2026
The 4% Rule Is Dead — Here's What's Replacing It
Modern retirees need a dynamic withdrawal plan, not a fixed number. The new guardrail approach explained.
The guardrails approach
Set starting withdrawal at 5%. If portfolio drops so withdrawal rate exceeds 6%, cut spending 10%. If portfolio grows so withdrawal rate falls under 4%, raise spending 10%.
Bottom line
A modern retirement plan is dynamic spending + bucketed assets, not a single percentage.