Catching Up to FI A Richer Retirement: The 4.7% Rule | Bill Bengen | 169
13 snips
Sep 21, 2025 In this enlightening discussion, Bill Bengen, a renowned retirement researcher and creator of the original 4% rule, shares insights from his new book, A Richer Retirement. Joined by his wife, Barbara, they reveal their love story before diving into essential strategies for managing a successful retirement withdrawal plan. Bill explains the evolution of the 4% rule to 4.7%, discusses the impact of valuation and inflation, and offers guidance for late starters on how to balance saving and enjoying life. A must-listen for future retirees!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
From 4% To A 4.7% Safe Max
- Bill Bengen revised his original 4.15% safe-withdrawal idea after expanding his historical models and portfolios.
- His updated “safe max” is 4.7% using a more diversified portfolio and longer data sets.
Valuations And Inflation Drive Withdrawal Safety
- Stock-market valuation (CAPE) and inflation together predict future safe withdrawal rates much better than either alone.
- High valuations plus high inflation produced the worst retiree outcomes in the late 1960s–70s.
How Bill And Barbara Met
- Barbara and Bill met in a bereavement group after both losing spouses and became romantically involved over time.
- Barbara credits Bill as an excellent teacher who helped her learn financial planning.
