#34 The 4% Rule Is Broken | Why Retirement Math Has Changed Forever

For decades, the 4% rule has been the “golden rule” of retirement planning — withdraw 4% a year and you’ll be fine. But that rule was built for a world that doesn’t exist anymore. Inflation, interest rates, longevity, and volatility have completely changed the math. In this episode of the Legacy Life Podcast, we explain why the 4% rule no longer works, what new research from Morningstar and Harvard shows, and how to rethink your income strategy so you never have to wonder, “Will I run out of money?” You’ll learn: • Why today’s safe-withdrawal rate is closer to 3.3% (or even 2.6%) • How inflation and healthcare costs break traditional withdrawal models • The danger of sequence-of-returns risk and how it impacts early retirees • The difference between a withdrawal mindset and a harvest mindset • How dividend yield and income planning create sustainable retirement income The 4% rule worked in 1994. It doesn’t work in 2025. Build a plan that keeps you confident, consistent, and in control of your income — no matter what the markets do. 📅 Book a free income planning session: [Calendly Link] #RetirementPlanning #FaithAndFinance #LegacyLifePodcast #4PercentRule #RetirementIncome #DividendInvesting #FinancialWisdom #GenerationalWealth