Here's Exactly How To Withdraw From A 401(k)/IRA To Live In Retirement

Feeling anxious about taking money from your retirement accounts? You’re not alone. That first withdrawal feels odd after decades of saving, but a clear process and tax plan turns uncertainty into confidence.

In this episode, Ari Taublieb, CFP®, breaks down how withdrawals actually move from investment accounts to your checking—and what the tax bite may look like.

Using a simple $100,000-per-year example for a married couple filing jointly, you’ll see illustrative ballpark math: in a no-income-tax state (e.g., Florida) the effective rate can land around ~8% (~$8,044), while a high-tax state (e.g., California) might be ~9.7% (~$9,683). That ~$2,000 gap often isn’t big enough to justify uprooting your life.

You’ll also learn a smarter way to “hold cash” for spending: keep withdrawal dollars intelligently invested while you spend. A $100,000 portfolio earning a modest 5% generates ~$5,000, which is roughly equivalent to one month of expenses at that rate, before fees, taxes, and market volatility. It’s not a guarantee, just math.

We’ll cover practical setups, like creating a dedicated travel fund while keeping core assets growing, and choosing a payout cadence (monthly, quarterly, or biweekly) that fits your comfort level. Whether you retire at 50, 60, or 70, the principles stay the same.

Ready to retire with more confidence? 

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

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Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

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Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA  is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.