Retired Investor Articles
Mapping the Safe Zone of Retirement Withdrawal Rates
June 2026 by Craig Israelsen
An analysis of three retirement portfolios over 100 years addresses the tension between portfolio longevity and lifestyle goals.
June 2026 by Craig Israelsen
An analysis of three retirement portfolios over 100 years addresses the tension between portfolio longevity and lifestyle goals.
Equal Weighting Across Market-Cap Sizes Beats a Total Market Fund
April 2026 by Craig Israelsen
Over 25 years, the growth of a $10,000 portfolio equally weighted between large, mid-size and small stock funds was more than $3,000 higher than that of a total stock market index fund.
April 2026 by Craig Israelsen
Over 25 years, the growth of a $10,000 portfolio equally weighted between large, mid-size and small stock funds was more than $3,000 higher than that of a total stock market index fund.
A One-Page Plan for Simplifying a Late-in-Life Portfolio
January 2026 by Charles Rotblut
AAII’s PRISM Wealth-Building Process provides a framework for thinking through what simplification looks like for you.
January 2026 by Charles Rotblut
AAII’s PRISM Wealth-Building Process provides a framework for thinking through what simplification looks like for you.
Understanding the Performance Measurement Enigma
October 2025 by Craig Israelsen
Why the most common method to calculate fund performance does not reflect how most people invest.
October 2025 by Craig Israelsen
Why the most common method to calculate fund performance does not reflect how most people invest.
Is 4.7% the New Safe Retirement Withdrawal Rate?
August 2025 by Charles Rotblut, William Bengen, Cynthia McLaughlin
William Bengen’s latest research shows that adding asset classes allows for a higher withdrawal rate in retirement than 4%.
August 2025 by Charles Rotblut, William Bengen, Cynthia McLaughlin
William Bengen’s latest research shows that adding asset classes allows for a higher withdrawal rate in retirement than 4%.
Mind Over Money: Outsmarting Cognitive Biases in Retirement
July 2025 by Jenna Brashear
Even the most experienced investors and planners fall prey to invisible forces that can impact retirement decisions.
July 2025 by Jenna Brashear
Even the most experienced investors and planners fall prey to invisible forces that can impact retirement decisions.
Revisiting the Use of ETFs to Construct an S&P 500 Portfolio
June 2025 by Craig Israelsen
Comparing the performance of an equally weighted sector portfolio against an S&P 500 index fund over a 20-year period.
June 2025 by Craig Israelsen
Comparing the performance of an equally weighted sector portfolio against an S&P 500 index fund over a 20-year period.
Want More Retirement Income? Lower Your Portfolio Fees
April 2025 by Craig Israelsen
Retirees who reduce their portfolio costs by using lower-cost funds realize larger withdrawals and ending wealth.
April 2025 by Craig Israelsen
Retirees who reduce their portfolio costs by using lower-cost funds realize larger withdrawals and ending wealth.
Key Financial and Estate Planning Steps for Aging Parents and Children
March 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Insights from our personal experiences can help you prepare your loved ones to handle the financial planning and management needed after your death.
March 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Insights from our personal experiences can help you prepare your loved ones to handle the financial planning and management needed after your death.
Using the Level3 Withdrawal Strategy to Achieve Growth and Stability
March 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Protecting the assets needed in the near future from market downturns allows you to balance risk and return in a rational way.
March 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Protecting the assets needed in the near future from market downturns allows you to balance risk and return in a rational way.
The Level3 Withdrawal Strategy Stays in Normal Mode
January 2025 by Charles Rotblut
The Level3 withdrawal strategy is calling for retirees to withdraw from their equity holdings for 2025.
January 2025 by Charles Rotblut
The Level3 withdrawal strategy is calling for retirees to withdraw from their equity holdings for 2025.
It's Hard to Be Great at Everything, Including Investing
November 2024 by Chris Pedersen
Although none of us, or our portfolios, can succeed all the time in all circumstances, we can all strive to improve our fit.
November 2024 by Chris Pedersen
Although none of us, or our portfolios, can succeed all the time in all circumstances, we can all strive to improve our fit.
Finding the Right Retirement Allocation and Withdrawal Strategy
October 2024 by Christine Benz, Cynthia McLaughlin
A bucket approach provides income and growth in retirement, but flexibility with withdrawals is also key.
October 2024 by Christine Benz, Cynthia McLaughlin
A bucket approach provides income and growth in retirement, but flexibility with withdrawals is also key.
Tax-Efficient Tango: The Dance Between Taxes and Returns
October 2024 by Jenna Brashear
Join a vibrant discussion in the Retirement Planning and Withdrawals Community on balancing tax efficiency with performance.
October 2024 by Jenna Brashear
Join a vibrant discussion in the Retirement Planning and Withdrawals Community on balancing tax efficiency with performance.
3 Ways to Redo Your Social Security Claim
July 2024 by William Reichenstein
Certain circumstances may allow you to improve your retirement prospects by changing a prior Social Security claiming decision.
July 2024 by William Reichenstein
Certain circumstances may allow you to improve your retirement prospects by changing a prior Social Security claiming decision.
Yes, You Can Rethink Your Retirement Decisions
July 2024 by Charles Rotblut
Determining when to file for Social Security is just one of several big decisions to make once you reach age 70. Along the way, there are chances to correct mistakes.
July 2024 by Charles Rotblut
Determining when to file for Social Security is just one of several big decisions to make once you reach age 70. Along the way, there are chances to correct mistakes.
For Qualified Charitable Distributions, Timing Is Everything
May 2024 by Brian Dobbis
With careful planning, a QCD can be a smart tax-planning strategy for an IRA holder taking distributions.
May 2024 by Brian Dobbis
With careful planning, a QCD can be a smart tax-planning strategy for an IRA holder taking distributions.
How to Protect Yourself From Social Security Clawbacks
April 2024 by Charles Rotblut, Terry Savage, Cynthia McLaughlin
The Social Security Administration is demanding repayment of benefits it erroneously overpaid over the years, with little recourse available to recipients.
April 2024 by Charles Rotblut, Terry Savage, Cynthia McLaughlin
The Social Security Administration is demanding repayment of benefits it erroneously overpaid over the years, with little recourse available to recipients.
The Power of Holding Some Cash in a Portfolio
March 2024 by Brian Haughey
An allocation to cash can make sense in many portfolios both to reduce risk and, for retirees, to facilitate increased risk.
March 2024 by Brian Haughey
An allocation to cash can make sense in many portfolios both to reduce risk and, for retirees, to facilitate increased risk.
Level3 Withdrawal Strategy Switches Back to Normal Mode
January 2024 by Charles Rotblut
The Level3 withdrawal strategy is calling for retirees to withdraw from their equity holdings at the beginning of 2024.
January 2024 by Charles Rotblut
The Level3 withdrawal strategy is calling for retirees to withdraw from their equity holdings at the beginning of 2024.
A Case Study: How to Reduce Marginal Tax Rates in Retirement
November 2023 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
Combining an optimal Social Security claiming strategy with a multiphase withdrawal strategy that exploits the rising and falling pattern of marginal tax rates can add substantial value to a retirement portfolio.
November 2023 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
Combining an optimal Social Security claiming strategy with a multiphase withdrawal strategy that exploits the rising and falling pattern of marginal tax rates can add substantial value to a retirement portfolio.
Five Approaches for Allocating Your Retirement Portfolio
November 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Strategies that range from maintaining a high equity allocation to annuitizing fixed expenses all have their proponents.
November 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Strategies that range from maintaining a high equity allocation to annuitizing fixed expenses all have their proponents.
How Safe Retirement Withdrawal Rates Work in Practice
November 2023 by Chris Pedersen
The 4% rule doesn’t guarantee safety, but combined with some judgment and adaptation based on market conditions, it gives a very high likelihood of success.
November 2023 by Chris Pedersen
The 4% rule doesn’t guarantee safety, but combined with some judgment and adaptation based on market conditions, it gives a very high likelihood of success.
The Importance of Considering Marginal Taxes When Taking Withdrawals
September 2023 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
Your withdrawal strategy should be optimized to take into account potential spikes in marginal tax rates caused by factors like taxation of Social Security benefits and income-based Medicare premiums.
September 2023 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
Your withdrawal strategy should be optimized to take into account potential spikes in marginal tax rates caused by factors like taxation of Social Security benefits and income-based Medicare premiums.
Required Minimum Distributions Explained
August 2023 by Charles Rotblut
The tax code requires distributions be taken from most retirement accounts on an annual basis, known as required minimum distributions (RMDs).
August 2023 by Charles Rotblut
The tax code requires distributions be taken from most retirement accounts on an annual basis, known as required minimum distributions (RMDs).
Changes Made to Retirement Savings by SECURE 2.0 Act
July 2023 by Charles Rotblut
The rules in plain-English plus post-passage observations can help you make changes for the current and future tax years.
July 2023 by Charles Rotblut
The rules in plain-English plus post-passage observations can help you make changes for the current and future tax years.
Four Tax Strategies for Retirees
July 2023 by Wade Pfau
Strategic tax planning alongside delayed Social Security claiming can increase portfolio longevity and legacy in retirement.
July 2023 by Wade Pfau
Strategic tax planning alongside delayed Social Security claiming can increase portfolio longevity and legacy in retirement.
Rolling With the Retirement Tide: AAII Community Shares Rollover Revelations
July 2023 by Jenna Brashear
Members recently engaged in a lively conversation about retirement account rollovers, shedding light on the specific motivations behind their decisions.
July 2023 by Jenna Brashear
Members recently engaged in a lively conversation about retirement account rollovers, shedding light on the specific motivations behind their decisions.
Level3 Withdrawal Strategy Goes Into Defensive Mode
January 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Following last year’s bear market, AAII’s Level3 withdrawal strategy calls for retirees to withdraw from their defensive (“safe”) assets and not equities in 2023.
January 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Following last year’s bear market, AAII’s Level3 withdrawal strategy calls for retirees to withdraw from their defensive (“safe”) assets and not equities in 2023.
Dealing With Inflation in a Retirement Portfolio
June 2022 by Craig Israelsen
The RMD is a built-in inflation adjuster that allows retirees to be more cautious in their asset allocation if they so choose.
June 2022 by Craig Israelsen
The RMD is a built-in inflation adjuster that allows retirees to be more cautious in their asset allocation if they so choose.
Strategies for Determining How Much You Can Spend in Retirement
May 2022 by Charles Rotblut, Wade Pfau
William Bengen’s floor and ceiling rule is one approach that is simple and works fairly well.
May 2022 by Charles Rotblut, Wade Pfau
William Bengen’s floor and ceiling rule is one approach that is simple and works fairly well.
Using PRISM for Investing in Retirement
May 2022 by Charles Rotblut
Even those certain they will not outlive their money can incorporate aspects of the wealth-building process in their personal PRISM plan.
May 2022 by Charles Rotblut
Even those certain they will not outlive their money can incorporate aspects of the wealth-building process in their personal PRISM plan.
Retirement Allocation Comparison With Vanguard Funds
April 2022 by Craig Israelsen
While there is no single “correct” allocation to equities in a retirement portfolio, it is clear there needs to be a material commitment.
April 2022 by Craig Israelsen
While there is no single “correct” allocation to equities in a retirement portfolio, it is clear there needs to be a material commitment.
The Coming Shift in Drawdown Patterns Among Retirees
April 2022 by Charles Griswold
The lack of access to defined-benefit plans can result in the baby boomer generation underestimating their drawdown speed.
April 2022 by Charles Griswold
The lack of access to defined-benefit plans can result in the baby boomer generation underestimating their drawdown speed.
A New Perspective on Withdrawal and Allocation Strategies for Retirees
March 2022 by Wade Pfau
Factoring in worst-case scenarios for your early years of retirement helps ensure your portfolio lasts.
March 2022 by Wade Pfau
Factoring in worst-case scenarios for your early years of retirement helps ensure your portfolio lasts.
The Importance of Rebalancing for Retirees and Other Investors
March 2022 by Charles Rotblut
Analysis of rolling 25-year periods showed rebalancing can lead to greater ending wealth for a hypothetical retirement portfolio by shifting dollars from bonds to equities during bear markets.
March 2022 by Charles Rotblut
Analysis of rolling 25-year periods showed rebalancing can lead to greater ending wealth for a hypothetical retirement portfolio by shifting dollars from bonds to equities during bear markets.
Personal Consumption Rates After Retirement
February 2022 by Adam Scheg
Financial planners and researchers often assume that retirees would like to maintain a constant standard of living. However, several studies suggest that retired households decrease their consumption over time.
February 2022 by Adam Scheg
Financial planners and researchers often assume that retirees would like to maintain a constant standard of living. However, several studies suggest that retired households decrease their consumption over time.
Level3 Withdrawal Strategy: S&P 500 Near High in December 2021
January 2022 by Charles Rotblut
To commemorate the month of Jim Cloonan’s birthday and pay homage to the legacy of education he left us, we offer an updated example of his retirement withdrawal approach using recent market conditions.
January 2022 by Charles Rotblut
To commemorate the month of Jim Cloonan’s birthday and pay homage to the legacy of education he left us, we offer an updated example of his retirement withdrawal approach using recent market conditions.
How Retirees Handle Portfolio Allocation, Income and Spending
October 2021 by Matthew Bajkowski
Three trends regarding the actions that a majority of pre-retirees and new retirees take with their portfolios were found.
October 2021 by Matthew Bajkowski
Three trends regarding the actions that a majority of pre-retirees and new retirees take with their portfolios were found.
Meaningful Diversification Can Lead to Higher Returns
October 2021 by Charles Rotblut, Chris Pedersen
The author of “2 Funds for Life” discusses the trick to diversification, why holding a small number of funds works and the power of making “nudge” withdrawals.
October 2021 by Charles Rotblut, Chris Pedersen
The author of “2 Funds for Life” discusses the trick to diversification, why holding a small number of funds works and the power of making “nudge” withdrawals.
FIRE Followers Need to Adjust the 4% Rule
September 2021 by Jack Gilleland
Withdrawing 4% from retirement savings and then increasing that amount during each subsequent year of retirement is not appropriate for all retirees.
September 2021 by Jack Gilleland
Withdrawing 4% from retirement savings and then increasing that amount during each subsequent year of retirement is not appropriate for all retirees.
Spending on Essentials in Retirement Is Not Fixed
May 2021 by Anine Sus
Contrary to expected behavior, retirees tend to reduce their spending for basic needs more than that for non-essentials.
May 2021 by Anine Sus
Contrary to expected behavior, retirees tend to reduce their spending for basic needs more than that for non-essentials.
Making Retirement Decisions Together Affects Preferences
April 2021 by AAII Staff
When given information about how making retirement decisions in aggregate instead of alone affects outcomes, retirees changed their preferences.
April 2021 by AAII Staff
When given information about how making retirement decisions in aggregate instead of alone affects outcomes, retirees changed their preferences.
The Impact of Asset Allocation on Retirement Income
April 2021 by Craig Israelsen
A look at the trade-offs in retirement using two popular withdrawal strategies if you build a more aggressive or more conservative portfolio.
April 2021 by Craig Israelsen
A look at the trade-offs in retirement using two popular withdrawal strategies if you build a more aggressive or more conservative portfolio.
How Much of Your Retirement Income Will Go to Taxes?
February 2021 by AAII Staff
One of the biggest retirement planning mistakes people make is not taking into account the taxes they will have to pay on their retirement income.
February 2021 by AAII Staff
One of the biggest retirement planning mistakes people make is not taking into account the taxes they will have to pay on their retirement income.
Sequence Risk: Is It Really a Big Deal?
December 2020 by AAII Staff
Sequence risk refers to the chance of running out of money in retirement due to a period of bad returns. While it can occur, Javier Estrada of Spain’s IESE Business School argues that sequence risk is commonly over-exaggerated, leading retirees to pursue overly conservative asset allocation strategies or reduce their standard of living.
December 2020 by AAII Staff
Sequence risk refers to the chance of running out of money in retirement due to a period of bad returns. While it can occur, Javier Estrada of Spain’s IESE Business School argues that sequence risk is commonly over-exaggerated, leading retirees to pursue overly conservative asset allocation strategies or reduce their standard of living.
Many Retirees Limit Withdrawals to the RMD Amount
November 2020 by Charles Rotblut, Ryan Reeh, Lucy Manning
Our Big Question survey gives insights into what types of accounts are favored by AAII retirees, and how they make withdrawal decisions.
November 2020 by Charles Rotblut, Ryan Reeh, Lucy Manning
Our Big Question survey gives insights into what types of accounts are favored by AAII retirees, and how they make withdrawal decisions.
The Benefits of Building Your Own S&P 500 Portfolio Sector by Sector
November 2020 by Craig Israelsen
Investing in individual funds that represent the 11 sectors of the S&P 500 allows better control when withdrawing money in retirement.
November 2020 by Craig Israelsen
Investing in individual funds that represent the 11 sectors of the S&P 500 allows better control when withdrawing money in retirement.
A Primer on Social Security
October 2020 by Robert Muksian
Understanding the key concepts involved in calculating Social Security benefits can aid in your retirement planning.
October 2020 by Robert Muksian
Understanding the key concepts involved in calculating Social Security benefits can aid in your retirement planning.
Retirees Don't Accurately Perceive Their Risks
October 2020 by Anine Sus
Retirees’ expectations of their future risks differ from the more probable risks they will encounter.
October 2020 by Anine Sus
Retirees’ expectations of their future risks differ from the more probable risks they will encounter.
The Importance of Personal Property in Estate Planning
October 2020 by Julie Hall
When it comes to what we are leaving to our children, it’s important to know whether it is a positive or negative legacy. Four reminders to keep you on the right path.
October 2020 by Julie Hall
When it comes to what we are leaving to our children, it’s important to know whether it is a positive or negative legacy. Four reminders to keep you on the right path.
The Relationship Between Wealth and Delaying Social Security Benefits
June 2020 by William Reichenstein
Taxpayers with moderate levels of wealth can often lower the taxable portion of their Social Security benefits by delaying the start of these benefits.
June 2020 by William Reichenstein
Taxpayers with moderate levels of wealth can often lower the taxable portion of their Social Security benefits by delaying the start of these benefits.
How Future Retirees Overestimate Their Benefits
March 2020 by Anine Sus
A study looked at how future retirees overestimate the benefits they will receive in retirement.
March 2020 by Anine Sus
A study looked at how future retirees overestimate the benefits they will receive in retirement.
Key End-of-Life Planning Tasks to Complete
March 2020 by Michael Falk
With estate documents and inventory lists in place, you can focus on the more important nonfinancial questions.
March 2020 by Michael Falk
With estate documents and inventory lists in place, you can focus on the more important nonfinancial questions.
Rebalancing Update: First Signal in Six Years to Adjust Allocations Issued
March 2020 by Charles Rotblut
A signal to rebalance one of our model portfolios was given following last year’s big run up in large-cap stocks.
March 2020 by Charles Rotblut
A signal to rebalance one of our model portfolios was given following last year’s big run up in large-cap stocks.
You May Need a Different Kind of Financial Professional for Retirement
January 2020 by Julie Jason
For those who are soon to retire or have recently retired, there is an inflection point between receiving a paycheck from an employer and a paycheck from your portfolio. What type of financial service is best for the retiree who needs to “live off of” their investments?
January 2020 by Julie Jason
For those who are soon to retire or have recently retired, there is an inflection point between receiving a paycheck from an employer and a paycheck from your portfolio. What type of financial service is best for the retiree who needs to “live off of” their investments?
Seniors—For Whom Are You Investing?
November 2019 by Jonathan Pond
Retirees should consider having their investments reflect the age of whom that money is likely to be passed on to.
November 2019 by Jonathan Pond
Retirees should consider having their investments reflect the age of whom that money is likely to be passed on to.
Optimizing Retirement Withdrawals Using the Level3 Strategy
September 2019 by John Bajkowski
The Level3 withdrawal approach allows you to stay invested in assets that offer the greatest potential for long-term wealth growth while satisfying current funding needs with an allocation to short-term (defensive) assets.
September 2019 by John Bajkowski
The Level3 withdrawal approach allows you to stay invested in assets that offer the greatest potential for long-term wealth growth while satisfying current funding needs with an allocation to short-term (defensive) assets.
Retirees Gain by Using Taxable Assets to Purchase Annuities
September 2019 by Anine Sus
A study determined that in general it may be more beneficial for retirees to purchase annuities using their taxable savings instead of funds from a traditional iRa or Roth plan.
September 2019 by Anine Sus
A study determined that in general it may be more beneficial for retirees to purchase annuities using their taxable savings instead of funds from a traditional iRa or Roth plan.
Using Portfolio Returns to Determine When to Claim Social Security Benefits
August 2019 by Brian L. Betker
Upon reaching full retirement age, a retiree can look back at the performance of their nest egg portfolio to determine whether to claim immediately or wait until credits for delayed claiming stop.
August 2019 by Brian L. Betker
Upon reaching full retirement age, a retiree can look back at the performance of their nest egg portfolio to determine whether to claim immediately or wait until credits for delayed claiming stop.
Health Insurance in Retirement: Medicare and Beyond
April 2019 by Steve Vernon
The risk of high medical bills during retirement calls for a well-thought-out plan, especially at age 65, when you’re eligible for universal medical coverage under Medicare. Many crucial aspects of health insurance have the potential to save you a lot of money—or cost a lot if you aren’t paying attention.
April 2019 by Steve Vernon
The risk of high medical bills during retirement calls for a well-thought-out plan, especially at age 65, when you’re eligible for universal medical coverage under Medicare. Many crucial aspects of health insurance have the potential to save you a lot of money—or cost a lot if you aren’t paying attention.
Retirees' Happiness Correlates With Participation in Active Versus Passive Activities
April 2019 by Anine Sus
A study looking at levels of happiness among retirees when engaged in various activities found that retirees are happier when they engage in active activities over passive activities.
April 2019 by Anine Sus
A study looking at levels of happiness among retirees when engaged in various activities found that retirees are happier when they engage in active activities over passive activities.
Rebalancing Update: The Market's Volatility Eliminated the Need to Adjust Allocations
March 2019 by Charles Rotblut
The volatility incurred in 2018 was high enough to bring the equity allocations back toward their targeted range, preventing the need for rebalancing.
March 2019 by Charles Rotblut
The volatility incurred in 2018 was high enough to bring the equity allocations back toward their targeted range, preventing the need for rebalancing.
Majority of Retirees Regret Not Saving More for Retirement
February 2019 by AAII Staff
Many of those who are currently in retirement do not believe they have a large enough nest egg and are aware that they should have saved more on a regular basis.
February 2019 by AAII Staff
Many of those who are currently in retirement do not believe they have a large enough nest egg and are aware that they should have saved more on a regular basis.
Revisiting the Risks of Retirement Spending Rules
November 2018 by Charles Rotblut
Find out the risks of spending only portfolio income, spending returns or making inflation-adjusted withdrawals.
November 2018 by Charles Rotblut
Find out the risks of spending only portfolio income, spending returns or making inflation-adjusted withdrawals.
For Bucket Portfolios, the Devil Is in the Details
July 2018 by Christine Benz
Guidance on implementing a bucket strategy in a real-world retirement portfolio, including portfolios with more than one type of account.
July 2018 by Christine Benz
Guidance on implementing a bucket strategy in a real-world retirement portfolio, including portfolios with more than one type of account.
Retirement Planning Mistakes Investors Often Make
July 2018 by AAII Staff
Planning for the transition to and life in retirement is an area where many common mistakes are made.
July 2018 by AAII Staff
Planning for the transition to and life in retirement is an area where many common mistakes are made.
Out-of-Pocket Health Care Spending for Retirees
June 2018 by AAII Staff
Out-of-pocket health care expenditures may be less than projections suggest for the majority of retirees. A small proportion of retirees, however, will incur substantial out-of-pocket expenses because of nursing home care.
June 2018 by AAII Staff
Out-of-pocket health care expenditures may be less than projections suggest for the majority of retirees. A small proportion of retirees, however, will incur substantial out-of-pocket expenses because of nursing home care.
Are You Spending Too Little in Retirement?
April 2018 by Meir Statman
While mental tools and self-control are useful when saving, in retirement, they can stop us from spending on ourselves and family.
April 2018 by Meir Statman
While mental tools and self-control are useful when saving, in retirement, they can stop us from spending on ourselves and family.
Rebalancing Update: 4.5% Withdrawal Rate and Rolling Periods
April 2018 by Charles Rotblut
Increasing the withdrawal rate led to bigger distributions, but lower ending wealth. Altering the investing period also has an impact.
April 2018 by Charles Rotblut
Increasing the withdrawal rate led to bigger distributions, but lower ending wealth. Altering the investing period also has an impact.
Social Security and Medicare Can Raise Retirees' Tax Rates
April 2018 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
Higher levels of income not only affect the taxation of Social Security benefits, but can also lead to higher Medicare premiums.
April 2018 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
Higher levels of income not only affect the taxation of Social Security benefits, but can also lead to higher Medicare premiums.
Insights on Using the 4% Withdrawal Rule From Its Creator
January 2018 by Charles Rotblut, William Bengen
Bill Bengen explains why he now suggests a 4.5% withdrawal rate and what the biggest threat to his withdrawal strategy is.
January 2018 by Charles Rotblut, William Bengen
Bill Bengen explains why he now suggests a 4.5% withdrawal rate and what the biggest threat to his withdrawal strategy is.
The Level3 Withdrawal Strategy to Maximize Your Long-Term Wealth
November 2017 by John Bajkowski, James B. Cloonan
Creating a cash bucket with up to four years of expenses allows a retiree to avoid selling stocks during periods of down markets.
November 2017 by John Bajkowski, James B. Cloonan
Creating a cash bucket with up to four years of expenses allows a retiree to avoid selling stocks during periods of down markets.
Strategies for Managing Required Minimum Distributions
October 2017 by Robert Carlson
Retirees have options when it comes to RMDs, including Roth IRA conversions, trusts, charitable donations, life insurance and emptying the IRA early.
October 2017 by Robert Carlson
Retirees have options when it comes to RMDs, including Roth IRA conversions, trusts, charitable donations, life insurance and emptying the IRA early.
When Is the Best Time to Take Your RMDs?
September 2017 by Jenna Brashear
To decide when to take your required minimum distribution (RMD), you’ll need to understand the pros and cons of making RMD withdrawals earlier or later in the year.
September 2017 by Jenna Brashear
To decide when to take your required minimum distribution (RMD), you’ll need to understand the pros and cons of making RMD withdrawals earlier or later in the year.
Common Questions About Medicaid and Medicaid Planning
May 2017 by John Horn, Dera Johnsen-Tracy
Estate planning and gifting strategies can be used to preserve assets, while still allowing a person to maintain eligibility for Medicaid.
May 2017 by John Horn, Dera Johnsen-Tracy
Estate planning and gifting strategies can be used to preserve assets, while still allowing a person to maintain eligibility for Medicaid.
Asset Allocation, RMDs and Portfolio Survival
April 2017 by Craig Israelsen
A diversified portfolio not only increases return relative to risk, it can also boost the amount of income provided by RMDs.
April 2017 by Craig Israelsen
A diversified portfolio not only increases return relative to risk, it can also boost the amount of income provided by RMDs.
Rebalancing Update: How Frequently Allocations Should Be Adjusted
March 2017 by Charles Rotblut
By allowing some fluctuation in the allocations, the models tracked have, on average, required rebalancing just once every three years.
March 2017 by Charles Rotblut
By allowing some fluctuation in the allocations, the models tracked have, on average, required rebalancing just once every three years.
Strategies for Unneeded RMDs
February 2017 by AAII Staff
Required minimum distributions from retirement plans can create a quandary for those who do not need the money. Suggestions on what retirees in this situation can do with the unwanted cash.
February 2017 by AAII Staff
Required minimum distributions from retirement plans can create a quandary for those who do not need the money. Suggestions on what retirees in this situation can do with the unwanted cash.
Keep Taxes From Cracking Your Nest Egg
May 2016 by Stephen M. Horan
Selectively choosing which accounts to withdraw from can minimize taxes throughout all your retirement years.
May 2016 by Stephen M. Horan
Selectively choosing which accounts to withdraw from can minimize taxes throughout all your retirement years.
Retirement Portfolio Survival: A 90-Year Study
May 2016 by Craig Israelsen
While a conservative allocation lasts 35 years at a 3% withdrawal rate, higher withdrawal rates require greater exposure to stocks.
May 2016 by Craig Israelsen
While a conservative allocation lasts 35 years at a 3% withdrawal rate, higher withdrawal rates require greater exposure to stocks.
Rebalancing Update: A Tiny Raise for Retirees
March 2016 by Charles Rotblut
Even with last year’s volatility, no rebalancing was required. Low inflation caused the withdrawal amounts to increase only slightly.
March 2016 by Charles Rotblut
Even with last year’s volatility, no rebalancing was required. Low inflation caused the withdrawal amounts to increase only slightly.
Mathematical Support for Rising Equity Glide Paths
September 2015 by Luke Delorme
Increasing exposure to stocks in retirement can reduce the chances of running out of money and allow for a larger withdrawal rate.
September 2015 by Luke Delorme
Increasing exposure to stocks in retirement can reduce the chances of running out of money and allow for a larger withdrawal rate.
Stocks: An Underappreciated Asset Class in Retiree Portfolios
June 2015 by Stuart Ritter
Even in retirement, it is important to maintain a large allocation to stocks.
June 2015 by Stuart Ritter
Even in retirement, it is important to maintain a large allocation to stocks.
Increasing Retirement Withdrawal Rates Through Asset Allocation
April 2015 by Michael Kitces, Wade Pfau
The optimal equity allocation depends on market valuations, though a fixed 60% stock/40% Treasury bill allocation works well overall.
April 2015 by Michael Kitces, Wade Pfau
The optimal equity allocation depends on market valuations, though a fixed 60% stock/40% Treasury bill allocation works well overall.
Rebalancing Update: Retirement Adjustments Necessary
April 2015 by Charles Rotblut
A retiree following the rebalancing model would have needed to rebalance at the end of 2014 because of the gains in large- and mid-cap stocks.
April 2015 by Charles Rotblut
A retiree following the rebalancing model would have needed to rebalance at the end of 2014 because of the gains in large- and mid-cap stocks.
Advocating the Paycheck Strategy for Lifetime Investing
October 2014 by Hildy Richelson, Stan Richelson
A predictable flow of cash income can be obtained by holding a ladder of high-quality bonds.
October 2014 by Hildy Richelson, Stan Richelson
A predictable flow of cash income can be obtained by holding a ladder of high-quality bonds.
Making Effective Use of IRAs as Part of an Estate Plan
June 2014 by Daniel Sudit, Kevin G. McCandlish
Bequesting your IRA to charity, naming grandchildren as beneficiaries of your Roth IRA or having a heir disclaim an IRA inheritance can lower your estate’s tax exposure.
June 2014 by Daniel Sudit, Kevin G. McCandlish
Bequesting your IRA to charity, naming grandchildren as beneficiaries of your Roth IRA or having a heir disclaim an IRA inheritance can lower your estate’s tax exposure.
A More Dynamic Approach to Retirement Spending
April 2014 by Colleen M. Jaconetti, Francis M. Kinniry, Michael DiJoseph
Establishing a “ceiling and floor” for portfolio withdrawal rates keeps spending relatively consistent, while remaining responsive to market conditions.
April 2014 by Colleen M. Jaconetti, Francis M. Kinniry, Michael DiJoseph
Establishing a “ceiling and floor” for portfolio withdrawal rates keeps spending relatively consistent, while remaining responsive to market conditions.
Reduce Stock Exposure in Retirement, or Gradually Increase It?
April 2014 by Michael Kitces, Wade Pfau
Starting retirement with a 30% allocation to equities and then gradually increasing it to 70% leads to a 95.1% probability of not outliving your savings.
April 2014 by Michael Kitces, Wade Pfau
Starting retirement with a 30% allocation to equities and then gradually increasing it to 70% leads to a 95.1% probability of not outliving your savings.
The Advantages of Charitable Trusts
October 2013 by Christine S. Fahlund
Charitable trusts allow you to donate assets, while providing lifetime income for yourself or someone else. They can also reduce estate taxes on appreciated assets.
October 2013 by Christine S. Fahlund
Charitable trusts allow you to donate assets, while providing lifetime income for yourself or someone else. They can also reduce estate taxes on appreciated assets.
Safe Withdrawal Rates and Certainty-Equivalent Spending
July 2013 by Druce Vertes
The size of initial withdrawal rates depends on a retiree’s willingness to accept both portfolio volatility and variability in his annual spending rates.
July 2013 by Druce Vertes
The size of initial withdrawal rates depends on a retiree’s willingness to accept both portfolio volatility and variability in his annual spending rates.
Determining When to Switch to the RMD
June 2013 by Charles Rotblut
Determining when to change from the 4% withdrawal rule to the RMD depends in part on your age and the types of retirement accounts you own.
June 2013 by Charles Rotblut
Determining when to change from the 4% withdrawal rule to the RMD depends in part on your age and the types of retirement accounts you own.
Addendum: Adjusting Retirement Withdrawals for Inflation
May 2013 by Charles Rotblut
An addendum to the May 2013 AAII Journal article “Taking Retirement Withdrawals From a Fund Portfolio” that takes inflation into account when calculating withdrawal amounts.
May 2013 by Charles Rotblut
An addendum to the May 2013 AAII Journal article “Taking Retirement Withdrawals From a Fund Portfolio” that takes inflation into account when calculating withdrawal amounts.
Taking Retirement Withdrawals From a Fund Portfolio
May 2013 by Charles Rotblut
A portfolio that could have been duplicated by investors is used to demonstrate how to take withdrawals and the potential pitfalls that are encountered.
May 2013 by Charles Rotblut
A portfolio that could have been duplicated by investors is used to demonstrate how to take withdrawals and the potential pitfalls that are encountered.
A Key to a Lasting Retirement Portfolio
April 2013 by John Sweeney
Staying within or below a 4% to 5% withdrawal rate (adjusted annually for inflation) will decrease your risk of outliving your retirement savings.
April 2013 by John Sweeney
Staying within or below a 4% to 5% withdrawal rate (adjusted annually for inflation) will decrease your risk of outliving your retirement savings.
Retirement Withdrawals: Can You Base Them on RMDs?
December 2012 by Wei Sun, Anthony Webb
The IRS’s required minimum distributions are easy to follow and with a little modification can set the basis for a more optimal withdrawal strategy.
December 2012 by Wei Sun, Anthony Webb
The IRS’s required minimum distributions are easy to follow and with a little modification can set the basis for a more optimal withdrawal strategy.
Allocating for Final Goals
July 2012 by Charles Rotblut
Allocating for expenditures such as a charitable legacy simply requires budgeting and segregating the amount away from your retirement savings.
July 2012 by Charles Rotblut
Allocating for expenditures such as a charitable legacy simply requires budgeting and segregating the amount away from your retirement savings.
Finding the Right Withdrawal Rate: One Key to
Portfolio Sustainability
July 2012 by Maria Crawford Scott
A proper withdrawal approach ensures your retirement savings last, and allows you to separate your allocation decisions from your income needs.
July 2012 by Maria Crawford Scott
A proper withdrawal approach ensures your retirement savings last, and allows you to separate your allocation decisions from your income needs.
Comparing a Bucket Strategy and a Systematic Withdrawal Strategy
April 2012 by Noelle E. Fox
Allocating a portfolio into three buckets for use in specific retirement time periods can help investors feel more confident that their savings will last.
April 2012 by Noelle E. Fox
Allocating a portfolio into three buckets for use in specific retirement time periods can help investors feel more confident that their savings will last.
Retired Investor: Getting Through Difficult Markets
November 2011 by Julie Jason
Having a goal-oriented skill set can help you cope with turbulent markets and move toward a secure retirement.
November 2011 by Julie Jason
Having a goal-oriented skill set can help you cope with turbulent markets and move toward a secure retirement.
Retirement Spending on Planet Vulcan: Longevity Risk and
Withdrawal Rates
September 2011 by Moshe A. Milevsky, Huaxiong Huang
The optimal amount to withdraw depends on survival probabilities, pension income, legacy goals and the willingness to risk outliving one’s assets.
September 2011 by Moshe A. Milevsky, Huaxiong Huang
The optimal amount to withdraw depends on survival probabilities, pension income, legacy goals and the willingness to risk outliving one’s assets.
Aging’s Adverse Impact on Decision Making
July 2011 by Charles Rotblut
Declines in cognitive capacities can hurt your ability to effectively manage your finances.
July 2011 by Charles Rotblut
Declines in cognitive capacities can hurt your ability to effectively manage your finances.
Limiting Required Minimum Distribution Costs
May 2011 by Charles Rotblut
Use retirement account income and transactions to lower the cost of freeing up cash for required minimum distributions.
May 2011 by Charles Rotblut
Use retirement account income and transactions to lower the cost of freeing up cash for required minimum distributions.
Investing for Retirement Requires a Disciplined Approach
April 2011 by Jerome Clark
Maintaining a substantial equity exposure before and during retirement helps you achieve long-term financial goals.
April 2011 by Jerome Clark
Maintaining a substantial equity exposure before and during retirement helps you achieve long-term financial goals.
Allocation in Retirement: A Flat Glide Path Always Make Sense
July 2010 by Josh Cohen
For any downward sloping glide path of equity allocation once you hit retirement, a flat one can be created that is better in terms of its risk and reward trade-off.
July 2010 by Josh Cohen
For any downward sloping glide path of equity allocation once you hit retirement, a flat one can be created that is better in terms of its risk and reward trade-off.
How to Create Your Own Pension: A Closer Look at Immediate Annuities
November 2009 by Julie Jason
How would you like to have lifelong income even after you retire? That’s what it’s like to receive a pension. What if you don’t have one? One option is to buy a product that will create one for you—an “immediate annuity,” which is the oldest product of its kind in the marketplace.
November 2009 by Julie Jason
How would you like to have lifelong income even after you retire? That’s what it’s like to receive a pension. What if you don’t have one? One option is to buy a product that will create one for you—an “immediate annuity,” which is the oldest product of its kind in the marketplace.
Retirement Income: Repairing the Damage to Assure the Flow
February 2009 by Christine S. Fahlund
If you are living off your retirement savings and have suffered a severe portfolio loss, what is your best course of action to ensure your savings can be sustained? A new T. Rowe Price retirement income study compared various withdrawal strategies.
February 2009 by Christine S. Fahlund
If you are living off your retirement savings and have suffered a severe portfolio loss, what is your best course of action to ensure your savings can be sustained? A new T. Rowe Price retirement income study compared various withdrawal strategies.
Will Your Savings Last? What the Withdrawal Rate Studies Show
July 2008 by William Reichenstein
Determining a "safe" withdrawal rate for retirement savings is a tricky balancing act for retirees. If it is too large, they may run through assets too quickly, but if it is too little, their lifestyle will be below where it could be. Many studies have attempted to determine the "maximum" safe rate. Lessons from what the studies have found.
July 2008 by William Reichenstein
Determining a "safe" withdrawal rate for retirement savings is a tricky balancing act for retirees. If it is too large, they may run through assets too quickly, but if it is too little, their lifestyle will be below where it could be. Many studies have attempted to determine the "maximum" safe rate. Lessons from what the studies have found.
Withdrawal Rules: Squeezing More From Your Retirement Portfolio
August 2005 by Jonathan Guyton
How much can you withdraw annually from your retirement portfolio? By incorporating systematic decision rules, you may be better able to maintain your desired living standard.
August 2005 by Jonathan Guyton
How much can you withdraw annually from your retirement portfolio? By incorporating systematic decision rules, you may be better able to maintain your desired living standard.
Retirement Withdrawals: What Rate Is Safe When Time Is Short and Uncertain?
January 2005 by Carl M. Hubbard
Portfolio Strategies: Most studies that examine sustainable retirement withdrawal rates cover payout periods of 15 to 35 years. But what happens when circumstances shorten the period? A look at how much you can safely withdraw over shorter payout periods.
January 2005 by Carl M. Hubbard
Portfolio Strategies: Most studies that examine sustainable retirement withdrawal rates cover payout periods of 15 to 35 years. But what happens when circumstances shorten the period? A look at how much you can safely withdraw over shorter payout periods.
Maintaining the Flow: Will Foreign Stocks Help Your Retirement Portfolio?
May 2004 by Carl M. Hubbard
Recent studies call into question the risk-reduction benefits of international diversification. Retirees want to know if foreign stocks can improve their portfolio performance enough to allow them to withdraw more each year.
May 2004 by Carl M. Hubbard
Recent studies call into question the risk-reduction benefits of international diversification. Retirees want to know if foreign stocks can improve their portfolio performance enough to allow them to withdraw more each year.
Retiree Stock Allocation Recommendations: Do You Fit the "Mold"?
February 2004 by William Reichenstein
How much of your portfolio should be invested in stocks if you are living off of your retirement savings? A look at where the professional advisors agree and disagree concerning the "typical" investor.
February 2004 by William Reichenstein
How much of your portfolio should be invested in stocks if you are living off of your retirement savings? A look at where the professional advisors agree and disagree concerning the "typical" investor.
Allocation During Retirement: Adding Annuities to the Mix
November 2003 by William Reichenstein
At its most basic level, the decision to annuitize involves the trade-off between longevity risk and the bequest motive: The major advantage of annuitization is the reduction in longevity risk.
November 2003 by William Reichenstein
At its most basic level, the decision to annuitize involves the trade-off between longevity risk and the bequest motive: The major advantage of annuitization is the reduction in longevity risk.
Retirement Planning: Annuities and When They May Make Sense
July 2003 by William Reichenstein
Low-cost annuities can make sense when compared to taxable investments for bond investors and active stock investors with long investment horizons. They do not make sense for long-term buy-and-hold investors.
July 2003 by William Reichenstein
Low-cost annuities can make sense when compared to taxable investments for bond investors and active stock investors with long investment horizons. They do not make sense for long-term buy-and-hold investors.
Liquidating Retirement Assets in a Tax-Efficient Manner
May 2002 by William A. Raabe
When you enter retirement, you retire from work, not from decision-making. For example, which assets should you withdraw first--taxable or tax-deferred? Decision rules for a typical retiree to keep tax liabilities to a minimum.
May 2002 by William A. Raabe
When you enter retirement, you retire from work, not from decision-making. For example, which assets should you withdraw first--taxable or tax-deferred? Decision rules for a typical retiree to keep tax liabilities to a minimum.
Assessing Your Portfolio Allocation From a Retiree's Point of View
May 1996 by Maria Crawford Scott
Portfolio Strategies Workshop: Retirees need to check their portfolios periodically to ensure that savings will last. Assessing your portfolio: A case study.
May 1996 by Maria Crawford Scott
Portfolio Strategies Workshop: Retirees need to check their portfolios periodically to ensure that savings will last. Assessing your portfolio: A case study.