The 4% Rule is Broken: Why "Spend-Down" Retirement Plans are a Ticking Time Bomb cover art

The 4% Rule is Broken: Why "Spend-Down" Retirement Plans are a Ticking Time Bomb

The 4% Rule is Broken: Why "Spend-Down" Retirement Plans are a Ticking Time Bomb

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For decades, financial planners have relied on "spend-down" strategies and the so-called "4% rule" for retirement income. But is this advice dangerously outdated? In this episode of Safe Money and Income Radio, retirement specialist Daryl Blackmon reveals why this common approach, practiced by 95% of financial professionals, is a guessing game that puts your entire nest egg at risk.

Daryl explains how plans based on hypothetical growth and arbitrary withdrawal rates can fail catastrophically due to "sequential rate of return risk"—the devastating impact of a market loss early in retirement. He discusses research that debunks the 4% rule, showing that a truly safe withdrawal rate could be as low as 1.5% for some retirees.

This episode covers:

  • The flawed theory behind spend-down income planning and the 4% rule.

  • Why a "22% return" in the market isn't a real gain if your money is still exposed to risk.

  • An alternative approach: "planning with a purpose," which focuses on creating a dependable, guaranteed income floor you can't outlive.

  • How to build a retirement plan with the safety and reliability of a well-built house, designed to withstand any storm.

  • How to receive a complimentary

    Safe Money and Income book and kit to learn more about creating a secure retirement with purpose.

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