What is the "safe withdrawal rate" often recommended for retirees?

The "safe withdrawal rate" is a guideline used to determine how much a retiree can withdraw from their retirement savings each year without running the risk of depleting their funds too quickly. The 4% rule, which has become a widely accepted standard, suggests that withdrawing 4% of your retirement savings annually, adjusted for inflation, provides a balance between being able to enjoy retirement while still ensuring that the funds last for a typical 30-year retirement. This percentage has been supported by historical market returns and studies that consider different investment environments, making it a practical choice for long-term financial planning.

The other percentages mentioned are generally viewed as either too conservative or too aggressive. For example, a 2% withdrawal rate would be extremely cautious and may not allow retirees to enjoy their savings fully. In contrast, rates like 6% or 8% could significantly increase the risk of running out of money, particularly in bear markets or years of low returns, leading to the necessity of seeking a more sustainable approach to withdrawals over the long term.