Ditching the 4% Rule

If you’ve ever wondered how to invest $2 million—or any substantial portfolio—without losing sleep, this episode is for you. I break down a simple, historically backed approach: 90% in stocks (VOO/VTI), 10% in a money market fund (SPAXX). This allocation maximizes growth, keeps volatility manageable, and allows you to spend confidently.

We challenge conventional wisdom: the 4% rule is too conservative for most retirees. With disciplined withdrawals of $120k–$200k per year, your portfolio can keep pace with inflation, fund meaningful experiences, and still grow over time. Think of it as the financial equivalent of having your cake, eating it, and watching it regenerate.

We also tackle the psychology of spending: most retirees underspend, living smaller than necessary due to “consumption gap anxiety.” Intentional withdrawals for travel, family experiences, and “bucket list” adventures can bring more lasting happiness than accumulating wealth alone.

Historical context matters: even through market crashes—2008, 2020—you can maintain your lifestyle using a 10% cash buffer. Percentages matter more than principal; the strategy scales from $500k to $20M.

And if it's good enough for Buffett's estate...it's good enough for me.

Key Highlights:

• Percentages over principal: 90/10 allocation works for nearly any portfolio size.
  

• Withdraw confidently: $120k–$200k/year supports lifestyle while portfolio grows.
  

• Spend for experiences: vacations, relationships, and quality of life matter more than hoarding.
  

• Liquidity is your friend: 10% in cash lets you ride out crashes without selling stocks.
  

• High-stakes bingo: later in retirement, increase withdrawals for “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences.
  

Resources and research mentioned in this episode:

• William Bengen, 4% Rule (1994)
  

• Michael Kitces on dynamic withdrawals
  

• Wade Pfau, Safety-First Retirement Planning
  

• Bill Perkins, Die With Zero
  

• David Blanchett, Retirement Spending Smile
  

If this episode helps you feel more confident about using your money to live well, consider leaving a review on Apple or Spotify. Your feedback helps keep this financial literacy experiment alive.

And if you're still feeling stuck and are looking for expert advice for a flat annual membership fee, check out this episode's sponsor, Facet, by going to facet.com/tyler