What is the 3 rule for retirement?

Asked by: Margret Daugherty  |  Last update: August 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (50 votes)

The safe withdrawal rule is a classic in retirement planning. It maintains that you can live comfortably on your retirement savings if you withdraw 3% to 4% of the balance you had at retirement each year, adjusted for inflation.

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

Under this rule, for every $240,000 saved, $1,000 can be withdrawn each month if one sticks to a 5% annual withdrawal rate, according to the Institute of Financial Wellness.

How many years does the 3% rule last?

A 3 percent withdrawal rate would equal 33.3 years, while a 2 percent withdrawal rate would equal a portfolio that would last 50 years. So you can figure out your own safe withdrawal rate depending on how long you want your assets to last.

What is a good monthly retirement income?

The ideal monthly retirement income for a couple differs for everyone. It depends on your personal preferences, past accomplishments, and retirement plans. Some valuable perspective can be found in the 2022 US Census Bureau's median income for couples 65 and over: $76,490 annually or about $6,374 monthly.

What is the 4 rule for retirees?

The 4% rule is a popular retirement withdrawal strategy that suggests retirees can safely withdraw the amount equal to 4% of their savings during the year they retire and then adjust for inflation each subsequent year for 30 years.

This Study Changes the 4% Rule In Retirement

15 related questions found

What is the golden rule for retirement?

Rule of thumb: "Save 10% to 15% of your income for retirement." The detail most people miss here is that a 10% to 15% savings rate—which includes any match from your employer—makes sense only if you start saving in your mid-20s or early 30s.

How long will $400,000 last in retirement?

Using our portfolio of $400,000 and the 4% withdrawal rate, you could withdraw $16,000 annually from your retirement accounts and expect your money to last for at least 30 years. If, say, your Social Security checks are $2,000 monthly, you'd have a combined annual income in retirement of $40,000.

How long will 100k last in retirement?

With $100,000 you should budget for a retirement income of around $5,000 to $8,000 on top of Social Security, depending on how you have invested your money. Much more than this will likely cause you to run out of money within 25 – 30 years, which is potentially within the lifespan of the average retiree.

How many people have $1,000,000 in retirement savings?

According to estimates based on the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, only 3.2% of retirees have over $1 million in their retirement accounts. This percentage drops even further when considering those with $5 million or more, accounting for a mere 0.1% of retirees.

How much can you withdraw and never run out of money?

The 4% rule states that you withdraw no more than 4% of your starting balance each year in retirement, adjusted each year for inflation. This doesn't guarantee you won't run out of money, but it does help your portfolio withstand market downturns by limiting how much is withdrawn.

How long will $500,000 last in retirement?

$500k will last for over 30 years, if you withdraw $20,000 from the age of 60. Retiring on $500K is possible if an annual withdrawal of $20,000–$30,000 aligns with your lifestyle needs over 25 years. Retirement plans, annuities and Social Security benefits should all be considered when planning your future finances.

What is the average 401k balance for a 65 year old?

The average person age 65 and older has $272,588 in his or her 401(k), according to the latest data from retirement giant Vanguard. This is significantly higher than the average balance of $232,710 for this age group at the end of 2022.

Can you live on $3,000 a month in retirement?

You can retire comfortably on $3,000 a month in retirement income by choosing to retire in a place with a cost of living that matches your financial resources. Housing cost is the key factor since it's both the largest component of retiree budgets and the household cost that varies most according to geography.

How much do I need in a 401k to get $2 000 a month?

According to the $1,000 per month rule, retirees can receive $1,000 per month if they withdraw 5% annually for every $240,000 they have set aside. For example, if you aim to take out $2,000 per month, you'll need to set aside $480,000.

What is the biggest expense in retirement?

Some of the biggest expenses you'll face in retirement are inevitable: health care, housing, transportation, utilities and taxes, for example. Though you can't eliminate these expenses entirely, you may be able to manage costs by planning ahead.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit?

Key Takeaways. Qualifying for Social Security benefits requires ten years of work/40 work credits. The maximum monthly benefit is $3,822 for someone at full retirement age in 2024. If you delay collecting benefits until age 70, the maximum monthly benefit is $4,873.

What is a good monthly income?

While this figure can vary based on factors such as location, family size, and lifestyle preferences, a common range for a good monthly salary is between $6,000 and $8,333 for individuals.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.

Is it better to collect Social Security at 62 or 67?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

Can I retire at 62 with 300k in my 401k?

$300k is sufficient for many people to retire, in part because you can avoid some of the biggest tax hurdles that may arise for more wealthy retirees. That said, whether or not it's enough depends on your circumstances (spending levels, location, health, and more).

How many people have $3000000 in savings?

Probably 1 in every 20 families have a net worth exceeding $3 Million, but most people's net worth is their homes, cars, boats, and only 10% is in savings, so you would typically have to have a net worth of $30 million, which is 1 in every 1000 families.

What is the 4 withdrawal rule?

One frequently used rule of thumb for retirement spending is known as the 4% rule. It's relatively simple: You add up all of your investments, and withdraw 4% of that total during your first year of retirement. In subsequent years, you adjust the dollar amount you withdraw to account for inflation.