Current for 2026•As of: July 2026

Withdrawal Plan Calculator plan your withdrawals.

Calculate your withdrawal plan: how long will your capital last with regular withdrawals?

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Capital & withdrawal

€
10,000 €10,000,000 €
€
500 €20,000 €
years
5 years50 years

Withdrawal strategy

%
0.0 %10.0 %

Inflation adjustment

Increases the withdrawal annually by the inflation rate

What is a withdrawal plan?

  • Regular withdrawal from a capital base
  • For retirement, sabbatical or passive income
  • The 4% rule: max. 4% per year for 30+ years
  • Returns can slow down capital depletion

Note

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).

Monthly withdrawal

€2,000

Withdrawal rate: 4.8% · Sustainable

Maximum duration

50 years

Remaining capital after 30 yrs.

€526,576

Withdrawal rate

4.8%

Capital development over the term

Zeitreihen-Diagramm: Capital endet bei €583,739.€0€145,935€291,870€437,804€583,7391101928374650Year
  • Capital

Yearly overview

YearCapitalWithdrawalRemaining
1€500,000-€24,000€500,400
2€500,400-€24,000€500,820
3€500,820-€24,000€501,261
4€501,261-€24,000€501,724
5€501,724-€24,000€502,210
6€502,210-€24,000€502,721
7€502,721-€24,000€503,257
8€503,257-€24,000€503,820
9€503,820-€24,000€504,411
10€504,411-€24,000€505,031
… and 40 more years

Withdrawal strategies

  • 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.

Important note

These calculations are for non-binding information only and do not replace professional tax advice. All information without guarantee. Learn more

Sources & calculation basis

Our calculations are based on the following official sources (as of: July 2026):

Related guides

Financial IndependenceClosing the Pension Gap

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

Capital depletion over 30 years (5% return)

Capital depletion over 30 years (5% return)
ItemAmount
Starting capital€500,000
Withdrawal duration30 years
Expected return5% p.a.
Possible monthly withdrawal€2,684
Remaining capital after 30 years€0

Capital preservation (withdraw only returns)

Capital preservation (withdraw only returns)
ItemAmount
Starting capital€500,000
Expected return5% 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

  1. Historical basis: Based on US market data 1926-1995. In 95% of cases the capital lasted 30 years.
  2. Conservative alternative: Many experts today recommend 3-3.5% for more safety over long periods.
  3. Flexibility helps: If you can withdraw less in bad years, the success probability increases.
  4. Germany adjustment: German 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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