audreyh1
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
I certainly understand why someone would leave excess in their portfolio. I assume it's for long-term growth reasons, which implies they are hoping for a larger end value to pass along to heirs/beneficiaries.I have been plowing my excess back into the portfolio (or not withdrawing it in the first place). I simply earmark it as "excess" on my spreadsheet and don't consider it in calculating subsequent withdrawals. I also adjust the total excess pool up or down annually based on the growth rate of the overall portfolio. I keep a cash cushion within the portfolio that I can tap in a bad year but I figure why not let my "excess" savings sink or swim with the portfolio.
I, on the other hand, really don't want a larger end value. I want "just enough" and I plan to make withdrawals more aggressive as I get older if necessary.
Audrey