The 4% “Rule” is Wrong for FIRE—Here’s a Better Alternative

For decades, the 4% rule has been the calculation every FIRE chaser has used to determine when they can retire early—risk-free. The math is simple: have a portfolio big enough to withdraw 4% per year to fund your lifestyle. But there’s one BIG problem with the 4% rule that nobody is talking about—a problem that could force you to work longer, ruin your retirement lifestyle, and put your portfolio in jeopardy if you don’t plan carefully. Tyler Gardner, former portfolio manager and financial advisor, is back on the show to share why much of the FIRE community may be wrong about this “rule.” Scared of not having enough to retire, retiring during a market crash, or being forced to be frugal once you leave the workforce? That’s precisely what we’re talking about in today’s episode. The 4% rule has become untouchable within the FIRE movement, but its hard-and-fast downsides may lead to your FIRE’s demise. Tyler shares what he thinks is the ultimate FIRE portfolio allocation, why he’s way more bullish on stocks and index funds than bonds, EVEN during retirement, and why target date retirement funds—often scoffed at—can actually help protect your portfolio once you FIRE. If you’re planning on retiring early with the 4% rule, think again. All of us have our doubts, and we’re sharing them today. In This Episode We Cover Why the 4% “rule” is WRONG for most FIRE chasers, and why withdrawing only 4% could be a mistake The new (updated!) FIRE number that most people should be chasing Hate your job and want to retire early? Here’s why you should find a better career (NOT quit) instead The ultimate FIRE portfolio allocation and why a target date retirement fund actually makes sense for many And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram “Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel! Connect with Tyler on Instagram Connect with Tyler on TikTok Your Money Guide on the Side Podcast Want to FIRE in 2025? How to Prepare for Early Retirement w/Emma von Weise Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Get to FIRE Faster with “Set for Life” Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area (00:00) Intro (02:05) Is the 4% Rule Wrong?(06:05) This Saves Your FIRE (10:09) “One More Year” Syndrome(14:33) Healthcare in Early Retirement(16:34) Ultimate FIRE Portfolio Allocation(24:29) Include Real Estate?(29:49) Target Date Retirement Funds(36:25) Don’t Quit Working? (54:30) Find a Job You LOVE(57:02) Connect with Tyler!(58:30) FIRE Chasers Are Wrong! Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-637 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices