Member-only story

Mastering the 4% Rule for a Secure Retirement

Diarmaid McMenamin
8 min readMar 19, 2024

--

Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash

Planning for retirement can be like finding your way through thick fog. You might wonder where to start and how much you need.

That’s where the 4% rule comes in.

It’s a simple idea that helps us figure out how much we need to save for retirement. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about planning for the lifestyle you want.

Let’s jump into this 4% rule and see how it can help you retire without worry.

Demystifying the 4% Rule — Your Key to Unlocking Retirement Readiness

The 4% rule is a guideline and rule of thumb that has sparked much discussion among retirement planners and those dreaming of a financially secure future.

But where did this rule originate, and why has it become a cornerstone in retirement planning?

The Genesis and Evolution of the 4% Rule

Tracing its roots back to the early 1990s, the 4% rule emerged from the work of financial experts who sought to determine a safe withdrawal rate for retirees.

The goal was to find a rate at which one could withdraw funds from their retirement pot annually without the risk of depleting their savings too early.

--

--

Diarmaid McMenamin
Diarmaid McMenamin

Written by Diarmaid McMenamin

Helping busy, time-poor professionals build a life of time and financial freedom by improving financial education and investing in property.

No responses yet