Many people worry whether the classic 4% withdrawal rule still works. Markets change, lifespans increase, and personal spending varies widely. Instead of guessing, you can use AI to calculate a personalized withdrawal rate tailored to your savings, lifestyle, risk tolerance, and goals.
Before you use it, just remember: copy, paste, [personalize the brackets] and run the prompt in ChatGPT, Gemini or your favorite AI app.
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 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:
• A conservative version based on lower returns and higher longevity
• A moderate version based on typical returns and spending assumptions
#End of Prompt
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.
