How much can you really spend in retirement without running out of money—or worse, running out of fun?

In this deeper-than-usual dive, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG examine the classic 4% retirement rule and whether it’s time for an upgrade. With new commentary from Bill Bengen, the original architect of the 4% rule, the team explores emerging research that suggests a withdrawal rate closer to 5.5% might be possible—if you’ve got the right mix of investments, a solid plan, and a bit of courage.

But we don’t stop there. Because with greater freedom comes greater risk (especially if you're leading with vibes instead of strategy). The guys tackle the sequence of returns risk that can derail early retirement years, and how to build a portfolio that helps you sleep at night—even during a market storm.

Meanwhile, Doug drops in with an unexpected (and very British) culinary experience, Joe fields a listener question comparing financial plans to workout routines (is your Roth IRA doing enough reps?), and yes... we revisit our fan-favorite segment on how food waste is wrecking your budget.

Why the 4% rule might be too conservative (or maybe just outdated).
What diversified portfolios and asset class strategy have to do with a longer-lasting nest egg.
How to prepare for market downturns before they happen—and what to do if you're already in one.
Why retirement joy isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s about the psychology of spending with confidence.
Which type of green tea is the superior kind (depending on which side of the TikTok aisle you're on).
How to reduce food waste and put that extra savings toward your bigger financial goals.

If you’re approaching retirement—or even just dreaming about it—understanding how much you can safely spend without sabotaging your future is the question. This episode combines historical insight with today’s market realities to give you the real math and mindset you need to retire well…and maybe even with a smile.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/problems-with-the-4-percent-rule-1702

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

649: Jennifer McGuinness on Micro Food Gardening