I’m not sure I understand. Is it really true that you can’t extract 4% cash money per year off of a million dollars, even in a down market, without shrinking the principal?
$100k should be enough to live comfortably off of in the Midwest.
I'm confused by your question. If you take 4% of the principal and the market does not return at least 4%, your principle has shrunk. This does not account for inflation either.
The Trinity study that the 4% rule comes from is based on having some assets left after 30 years, not the original principle being intact.
$100k should be enough to live comfortably off of in the Midwest.