How long your 401(k) will last depends primarily on several key factors:

• Your total savings balance at retirement.
• How much you withdraw annually to cover your expenses.
• Investment returns and market conditions during retirement.
• Inflation and unexpected expenses that may arise.
• Your asset allocation , especially the balance between stocks and bonds.

A common guideline to help your 401(k) last is the 4% withdrawal rule. This rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your initial retirement savings in the first year, then adjusting that amount for inflation in subsequent years. Research indicates that this strategy has historically allowed savings to last about 30 years or more, assuming a balanced investment portfolio with at least 50% in stocks and the rest in bonds

. Financial planners also recommend:

• Having saved about 10 times your salary by age 67 to comfortably support retirement withdrawals

• Keeping 5 years of expenses in safer assets like bonds and cash to avoid selling stocks during market downturns

• Adjusting withdrawals based on market performance, possibly reducing withdrawals when markets are down and increasing them when markets perform well

Because many variables affect how long your money lasts-such as inflation, investment returns, taxes, and lifestyle changes-using online calculators can help estimate your specific situation by inputting your savings, expected expenses, and withdrawal plans

. In summary, if you follow a prudent withdrawal strategy like the 4% rule, maintain a diversified portfolio, and monitor your spending and market conditions, your 401(k) can last several decades through retirement. However, personal circumstances and market variability mean it’s wise to regularly review and adjust your plan.