WHEN THE 4% RULE BREAKS DOWN: SEQUENCE OF RETURNS RISK AND SUSTAINABLE RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING

Summit Ascent Retirement - Episode 1: When the 4% Rule Breaks Down — Sequence-of-Returns Risk & Sustainable Retirement Income Planning

Welcome to Summit Ascent Retirement — where we break down complex retirement topics into clear, practical steps so you can spend confidently, live your legacy, and stay grounded through market challenges.

In today’s episode, Dustin Rudolph—fiduciary advisor and owner of Legacy Ascent Wealth—breaks down one of the most misunderstood retirement rules: the 4% Rule.

While it’s a popular guideline, it doesn’t always hold up in the real world… especially when sequence-of-returns risk enters the picture.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why the 4% Rule can fail in certain market environments
✔️ How early-retirement market declines can dramatically change your lifetime income
✔️ Why two retirees with the same average return can end up in very different places
✔️ A simple story-based explanation of how portfolio design impacts withdrawal sustainability
✔️ How to build an income plan that adapts—rather than relying on outdated static rules

Whether you're preparing to retire or already retired, understanding this risk is one of the most important steps toward a confident retirement income strategy.

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📞 Want personal guidance?

If you’re ready to apply these concepts to your own situation, you can schedule a complimentary conversation with Dustin Rudolph, owner of Legacy Ascent Wealth:
👉 LegacyAscent.com

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Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music under “Summit Ascent Retirement.”

About Dustin Rudolph & Legacy Ascent Wealth

Dustin is an educator and fiduciary advisor serving retirees and pre-retirees across Minnesota and beyond. His Summit Ascent Pathway helps clients create tax-efficient income strategies, protect against volatility, and build a legacy that lasts generations.