How to use it
- Use the formula below with your own figures.
The formula
Sustainable withdrawal balances income and longevity.
Worked example
Higher withdrawals shorten how long the pot lasts.
Frequently asked questions
What rate is safe?
Often cited near 4%, but it depends.
Does return matter?
Strongly — sequence of returns affects longevity.
Tips
- Start early; a decade of compounding is hard to replace.
- Always capture any employer match in full.
- Revisit your plan yearly as income changes.
Key terms
- Nest egg
- Total retirement savings.
- Drawdown
- Withdrawing from a pot over time.
- Match
- Employer contributions to your plan.