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InvestorGuide University > Subject: Retirement > Striking a Delicate Balance

Retirement Basics
Striking a Delicate Balance
by Richard Dragotta (Write for us!)
(Click on the links within the article to get definition of that word)

When the day comes for you to begin drawing a retirement income, will you know how much you can withdraw safely from your investment accounts? If you don't have a withdrawal plan, you may run the risk of taking too much and running out of money during your lifetime, or being too cautious and living on less income than you need to maintain your lifestyle.

A systematic withdrawal program may help stretch the life of your accounts to last for a certain period or even indefinitely, depending on your goals.

Choose Your Variable
A systematic withdrawal plan enables investors to schedule a regular series of payments (monthly, for example) from an account that is pursuing an investment return. The most efficient way to draw from the account can be calculated by striking a balance between certain variables related to the investor's goals.

Principal
Assume that an investor with a $1 million account is earning a hypothetical 7% annual return. If the investor wanted to take $100,000 income per year, the principal and interest would last about 17 years. But if the investor wanted the account to last longer, he could take less income. To preserve the principal indefinitely, he could draw $70,000 per year, and theoretically the account balance would never run out as long as the return was at least 7%. This hypothetical example is used for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any specific investment.

Inflation
If inflation protection is desired, annual withdrawals can be indexed to the inflation rate, but typically at the expense of other variables, such as a shorter account life or a lower starting income.

Risk
An account that is being used for systematic withdrawals should typically be exposed to moderate risk levels at most. Catastrophic losses could interfere with the account's long-term ability to produce income. If a greater potential return is desired, an individual may be able to adjust other variables, such as basing annual withdrawals on account performance. Making the most efficient use of the money in an investment account involves taking stock of personal financial circumstances and goals. Making a careful calculation before you begin systematically taking money from your investments may help ensure that your money lasts as long as you do.

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