Retirees who rigidly withdraw the same inflation-adjusted amount every year may be forced to sell investments at depressed prices, while those willing to trim discretionary spending can give their portfolios more time to recover. Experts generally suggest that retirees start by withdrawing no more than 4% to 5% of their savings, with about 3.9% considered a safe withdrawal rate in 2026, although the appropriate rate depends on factors such as retirement length, asset allocation, and market performance. Retirees might review the plan once or twice each year and decide whether portfolio performance supports an inflation increase, calls for unchanged spending, or requires a temporary reduction.