Question 1

How much money do I need to retire?

Accepted Answer

The standard answer is 25 times your annual expenses (the 4 percent rule). If you spend $60,000 a year, you need $1.5 million. For retirements longer than 30 years, target 28-33x to give yourself margin for sequence of returns risk and inflation.

Question 2

What is the safe withdrawal rate in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The classic 4 percent rule comes from the Trinity Study and assumes a 30-year retirement with a 60/40 stock/bond mix. Most modern research suggests 3.3-3.8 percent is safer for retirements of 40+ years, especially given current valuations and lower expected returns.

Question 3

What is the Die With Zero strategy?

Accepted Answer

Die With Zero is the framework of optimizing for life experiences and giving rather than maximum end-of-life wealth. Practically, it means spending down the portfolio on a planned schedule (often via inflation-adjusted annuities) so you do not over-save and miss the years when health allows full enjoyment.

Question 4

When can I start withdrawing without penalty?

Accepted Answer

Traditional IRA and 401(k): age 59 1/2 (10 percent penalty before, except for SEPP/72(t), Rule of 55, hardship). Roth IRA contributions: anytime, tax and penalty free. Roth earnings: 59 1/2 plus 5-year hold. Taxable brokerage: anytime. HSA: 65 for any use, anytime for medical.

Question 5

Should I retire early or delay for higher Social Security?

Accepted Answer

Each year you delay Social Security between 62 and 70 increases your benefit by 6-8 percent. The break-even for delaying to 70 vs claiming at 62 is roughly age 80. If you have longevity in the family and a portfolio that can bridge the gap, delaying usually wins.

Question 6

What is sequence of returns risk in retirement?

Accepted Answer

Retiring into a bear market forces you to sell shares at depressed prices to cover living expenses, permanently shrinking the portfolio. Two retirees with the same average return can have very different outcomes based purely on the order of returns. Defenses: 1-2 year cash buffer, bond tent at retirement, dynamic withdrawal rules.

Retirement Projector

Your Numbers

Portfolio Trajectory: Full Lifetime

Key Milestones