Retired in › 1981

Retiring in 1981: did the 4% rule survive?

Retiring at the start of 1981 with $1M and spending $40,000 a year adjusted for inflation (the 4% rule), a 100% stock portfolio lasted all 30 years, with $4.6M left; a 60/40 portfolio lasted all 30 years, with $4.0M left.

Over the first 10 years, stocks returned 8.7% a year after inflation and the 60/40 mix 8.5%. The first decade matters most: losses early, while withdrawals continue, are what break a plan.

The highest fixed rate that lasted 30 years from 1981 was at least 6% with either all stocks or 60/40 (tested in 0.25% steps from 3% to 6%).

← 1980 · 1982 → · The 4% rule over 30 years · All start years

Questions

What happened if you retired in 1981 with the 4% rule?

Retiring at the start of 1981 with $1M and spending $40,000 a year adjusted for inflation (the 4% rule), a 100% stock portfolio lasted all 30 years, with $4.6M left; a 60/40 portfolio lasted all 30 years, with $4.0M left.

What was a safe withdrawal rate for someone retiring in 1981?

The highest fixed rate that lasted 30 years from 1981 was at least 6% with either all stocks or 60/40 (tested in 0.25% steps from 3% to 6%).