Withdrawal Plan Calculator
Calculate your withdrawal plan: how long will your capital last with regular withdrawals?
- Updated
Tap to type or drag sideways
Below: the highest withdrawal for your planned duration
After costs; a mixed portfolio about 3–5%
Withdrawal type
More details30 years planned · no inflation adjustment · before tax
You can also drag the handle on the chart
Your money lasts
50+ years
50+ yearsWith €2,000.00 per month your capital lasts 50+ years. After 30 years, €526,576 is left.
- 30 yrPlan end: €526,576 left
- 30 yrPlan end: €526,576 left
- First-year withdrawal per month
- €2,000.00
- Withdrawal rate
- 4.8%
- Maximum duration
- 50+ years
- Remaining capital after 30 yrs.
- €526,575.54
- Assessment
- Sustainable
What you can do
For exactly 30 years: up to €2,644 per month
Tap the suggestion below the withdrawal to apply it.
Calculated without taxes
Gains in a fund portfolio are subject to flat-rate withholding tax when sold. Under “More details” you can calculate after tax – the withdrawal is then the amount you actually receive.
At a 4% return
your money only lasts 43 years. Plan a buffer.
How this was calculated
Year by year: deduct the withdrawal, credit the return on the capital at mid-year (simplified). With inflation adjustment, the withdrawal rises each year by the inflation rate.
Capital depletion: Fixed withdrawal, capital is used up. Capital preservation: Withdraw only returns, capital remains intact. Dynamic (4%): 4% of the current capital every year.
The 4% rule applies to a withdrawal duration of approx. 30 years.
The calculation is based on constant assumptions. Actual returns fluctuate. In poor market years at the start of the withdrawal phase, the capital can be depleted faster than planned (sequence-of-returns risk).
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Withdrawal plan: your path to passive income
A withdrawal plan (also called a payout plan) is a strategy for regularly withdrawing money from accumulated wealth. This is especially relevant for retirement, a sabbatical, or financial independence.
The key question: How much can I withdraw without running out of money? The answer depends on capital, returns, withdrawal duration and your strategy.
Withdrawal strategies compared
- Capital depletion
- Fixed monthly withdrawal, capital is used up over time. Higher withdrawals possible, but capital eventually runs out.
- Capital preservation
- Withdraw only the returns, the principal remains intact. Lower withdrawals, but wealth remains for heirs.
- Dynamic withdrawal
- A fixed percentage (e.g. 4%) of the current capital each year. Automatically adjusts to market developments.
- Bucket strategy
- Split capital into buckets: cash for 1-2 years, bonds for 3-5 years, equities long-term. Protects against sequence-of-returns risk.
Example: withdrawal plan with €500,000
- Starting capital
- €500,000
- Withdrawal duration
- 30 years
- Expected return
- 5% p.a.
- Possible monthly withdrawal
- €2,684
- Remaining capital after 30 years
- €0
- Starting capital
- €500,000
- Expected return
- 5% p.a.
- Annual return
- €25,000
- Possible monthly withdrawal
- €2,083
- Remaining capital after 30 years
- €481,586
The 4% rule explained
The 4% rule comes from the Trinity Study (1998) and states: with a portfolio of 50% stocks and 50% bonds, you can withdraw 4% of the starting capital in the first year, inflation-adjusted thereafter, and the money will statistically last for at least 30 years.
What you should know about the 4% rule
- Historical basisBased on US market data 1926-1995. In 95% of cases the capital lasted 30 years.
- Conservative alternativeMany experts today recommend 3-3.5% for more safety over long periods.
- Flexibility helpsIf you can withdraw less in bad years, the success probability increases.
- Germany adjustmentGerman taxes and potentially lower returns may require lower withdrawal rates.
Frequently asked questions about the withdrawal plan
Everything important about payout plans, capital depletion and sustainable withdrawal
What is a withdrawal plan?
A withdrawal plan is a strategy for regularly withdrawing money from a capital base – typically for retirement. It shows how long your wealth will last with a given withdrawal amount.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule states: if you withdraw a maximum of 4% of your starting capital each year (inflation-adjusted), your capital will statistically last for at least 30 years. It originates from the Trinity Study of 1998.
Capital depletion vs. capital preservation – which is better?
With capital depletion, your wealth is used up, but it allows higher withdrawals. With capital preservation, you only withdraw the returns and pass on the capital. The choice depends on your goals.
What is sequence-of-returns risk?
If you experience poor market years at the start of the withdrawal phase, your capital can be depleted faster than planned. A dynamic withdrawal or a cash buffer can mitigate this risk.
Should I adjust withdrawals for inflation?
For long withdrawal periods (20+ years), an inflation adjustment makes sense so your purchasing power is preserved. Keep in mind, however, that this depletes the capital faster.