What this does
Creates a personalized withdrawal strategy based on your savings, spending, income sources, and risk comfort—so you can see whether 4%, 3%, or another number is safest for you.
Why it's useful
The 4% rule is a rule of thumb, not a law. This prompt replaces guesswork with a customized, easy-to-understand withdrawal plan designed around your real financial picture.
Who it's for
• Anyone nearing or in retirement who wants clarity on safe withdrawal rates
• People unsure how long their savings will last under different strategies
• Anyone comparing 4%, 3%, or dynamic withdrawal approaches
• Long-term planners wanting a personalized road map instead of generic advice
Copy & Paste This Entire Prompt:
Before you use it, just remember:
1) copy the entire prompt in italics below (use the button)
2) paste into ChatGPT, Gemini, or your favorite AI app
3) run the prompt
Prompt
I want you to help me determine my safe annual retirement withdrawal rate.
Begin by asking me these questions one at a time:
What is my current age?
What age am I planning to retire (or what age am I now if already retired)?
How much do I currently have saved for retirement?
How much do I expect to spend monthly in retirement?
Do I expect any guaranteed income (Social Security, pension, annuities)?
What annual investment return should you assume during retirement?
What level of risk am I comfortable with (low, moderate, higher)?
Should you treat my spending as fixed or flexible?
After collecting my answers, do the following:
A) Estimate how long my savings may last under a 4% withdrawal approach
B) Compare this with a 3% withdrawal rate and a flexible (dynamic) withdrawal strategy
C) Show the pros and cons of each method in simple language
D) Calculate a recommended “safe withdrawal range” personalized for me
E) Give me a projection summary showing how long my savings might last under each approach
F) Present a clear, easy action plan listing adjustments I can make to increase long-term sustainability
At the end, provide two scenarios:
1) A conservative version based on lower returns and higher longevity
2) A moderate version based on typical returns and spending assumptions
How this helps you
This turns an abstract rule of thumb into a specific, personalized strategy. Instead of wondering whether 4% is too high—or too low—you’ll see clear projections and practical adjustments based on your real numbers and lifestyle.
