Is the Retirement Safe Withdrawal Rate Below 4% or Almost 6%?

The No. 1 financial goal for most Americans is retirement. Once they retire, their primary goal becomes not running out of money. Host Robert Brokamp discusses the pros, cons, and tradeoffs of various withdrawal strategies with Christine Benz, director of personal finance at Morningstar and co-author of a new report on retirement income. Also in this episode:-Prepare for lower taxes in 2026 by having less withheld from your paycheck and contributing more to your investments-A recent Washington Post article argues that bigger houses lead to lower levels of happiness-The percentage of the global stock market that comes from U.S. stocks is near an all-time high, but non-U.S. stocks made up for lost ground in 2025-Listeners share their tips and tricks for staying on top of their investments and spending Host: Robert BrokampGuest: Christine BenzEngineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices