Surviving a Market Crash in Retirement

Executive summary

A 30% market crash in early retirement can derail the entire plan if responded to incorrectly. Pre-document the response before the event.

• Don't sell equities during drawdown
• Refill cash bucket from bonds, not stocks
• Reduce withdrawals 10–20%

Key takeaways

• Don't sell equities during drawdown
• Refill cash bucket from bonds, not stocks
• Reduce withdrawals 10–20%
• Defer discretionary spending

Key strategies

1. Strategy 1

   Don't sell equities during drawdown

2. Strategy 2

   Refill cash bucket from bonds, not stocks

3. Strategy 3

   Reduce withdrawals 10–20%

4. Strategy 4

   Defer discretionary spending

Pro-tips checklist

• Pre-write the crash playbook
• Avoid behavioral mistakes — they cost more than the crash

FAQ