What is a safe withdrawal rate if I retire in my early 50s?

The classic 4% rule was modeled on a 30-year retirement. If you stop working in your early 50s, your money may need to last 40 or more years, so most planners suggest starting lower, around 3.25% to 3.5% of your initial balance. That difference is meaningful: at 3.5%, a $2 million portfolio supports about $70,000 in year one versus $80,000 at 4%. A lower starting rate leaves more cushion for long horizons and bad early markets. You can always adjust upward later if markets cooperate.

Model different rates and horizons with the Retirement Planner at wealthserene.com/tools/retirement-planner to see how starting rate changes your odds of not running out.