[quote=moneymaker]I believe the required 4% withdrawal doesn’t start until age 70 1/2, please correct me if I’m wrong. [/quote]

It is my understanding you are correct.

[quote=moneymaker]
Taking out 4% a year would never get you to zero, but by age 100 you would only have 30% left assuming gains=inflation.[/quote]

What ratio of bonds/equities are you factoring in here?

Even considering a 50/50 mix, since the S&P 500 averages a 9% return a year, if you have 50% of your portfolio in stocks you should return 4.5% just on stocks, which beats the 4% withdrawal, so you should have 100% of your principle remaining…less inflation.

When you say 30% left, I take it you think inflation will take you from 100% to 30%?