Investing Insights

The Father of the 4% Rule Says Retirees Can Take Out Much More

William Bengen explains why the traditional 4% safe withdrawal rate may be too conservative for modern retirees.

William Bengen, who established the 4% safe withdrawal rate over 30 years ago, has concluded through subsequent research that 4% is likely too low for current retirees.

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22 minJul 25, 2026Motley Fool Hidden Gems Investing

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The Father of the 4% Rule Says Retirees Can Take Out Much More

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Key takeaways

What to know before you press play.

01

The 4% Rule May Be Too Conservative

William Bengen, who established the 4% safe withdrawal rate more than 30 years ago, has concluded that 4% is likely much too low based on subsequent research.

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02

New Research Details

Bengen's updated findings are explained in his book 'A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy More.'

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03

Key Factors Affecting Withdrawal Rates

The discussion covers how factors such as market valuation and inflation affect the safe withdrawal rate for retirees.

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04

Stock Allocation Strategies

Bengen discusses whether retirees should decrease or increase their allocation to stocks as they get older.

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05

Suggested Withdrawal Rate

The interview includes Bengen’s suggested withdrawal rate for current retirees.

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Ask GenPod next

Keep the question moving.

01

How do market valuations specifically impact the safe withdrawal rate?

02

What is the suggested withdrawal rate for current retirees according to Bengen?

03

Should retirees increase or decrease stock allocation as they age?

Background reading

The context behind the episode.

About the Guest

William Bengen's Legacy

William Bengen is known for establishing 4% as the safe withdrawal rate more than 30 years ago. His latest work challenges this original benchmark.

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Questions

Questions to carry into the episode.

Who is William Bengen?

William Bengen is the guest on this episode, known for establishing the 4% safe withdrawal rate.

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What is the main conclusion of Bengen's recent research?

Bengen has concluded that the 4% safe withdrawal rate is likely much too low for current retirees.

2
What book explains this research?

The research is explained in his book 'A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy More.'

3
What factors affect the safe withdrawal rate?

Factors such as market valuation and inflation affect the safe withdrawal rate.

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Who hosted the interview?

The interview was hosted by Motley Fool retirement expert Robert Brokamp.

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Experts

Voices named in the source.

William Bengen

Guest, Creator of the 4% Rule

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Robert Brokamp

Host, Motley Fool Retirement Expert, CFP®, EA

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Sources and disclosure

Where this guide comes from.

Ads are sponsored content for informational purposes only. TMF does not endorse or verify ad statements. TMF is not involved in the offer or sale of advertised securities and makes no representations regarding suitability or risks. Investors should conduct due diligence and consult advisors. TMF assumes no responsibility for losses. Opinions are their own.

  1. Publisher show notes

    William Bengen established 4% as the safe withdrawal rate more than 30 years ago.

  2. Publisher show notes

    But in subsequent research, he has concluded that 4% is likely much too low.

  3. Publisher show notes

    That research is thoroughly explained in his latest book, “A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy More.” In this re-airing of an interview from last August, Bengen joined Motley Fool retirement expert Robert Brokamp to discuss: - how factors such as market valuation and inflation affect the safe withdrawal rate - whether retirees should decrease or increase their allocation to stocks as they get older - Bengen’s suggested withdrawal rate for current retirees

  4. Publisher show notes

    Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EA Guest: William Bengen Engineers: Adam Landfair and Bart Shannon

  5. Publisher show notes

    Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only.

  6. Publisher show notes

    The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements.

  7. Publisher show notes

    TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented.

  8. Publisher show notes

    Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.

  9. Publisher show notes

    TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.

  10. Publisher show notes

    We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode.

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