Retirement Starts Today

8 Tips to Stop Worrying About Running Out of Money in Retirement

Feb 23, 2026
Concrete anchors to replace constant fear with practical retirement moves. Tips on confirming a sustainable spending range and staying flexible during market downturns. Ideas for building a recession buffer, reducing tax uncertainty, and maximizing guaranteed income. Strategies for protecting against long-term care costs and using home equity as a backstop. A discussion on why distribution risks differ from accumulation.
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INSIGHT

Fear, Not Markets, Is Retirement's Primary Risk

  • The biggest retirement danger is not market volatility but the persistent fear of running out of money.
  • Sheryl Rowling's solution is to replace vague worry with concrete anchors that create clarity and control.
ADVICE

Confirm A Sustainable Withdrawal Range

  • Confirm a sustainable withdrawal range rather than a single fixed rate, often roughly 3–5% depending on circumstances.
  • Benjamin Brandt suggests planning with withdrawal ranges to allow short-term higher spending and later reductions.
ADVICE

Embrace Flexible Spending In Down Markets

  • Embrace flexible spending: reduce discretionary withdrawals in down markets to protect portfolio longevity.
  • A modest temporary 10% cut during poor market years can materially lower long-term risk but requires thoughtful budget choices.
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