Most of the articles I read never mention taxes and obviously that has a large impact. I have seen examples of the 4% rule for $1M. This would let you withdraw $40,000 the first year. However if the $1M earned 5% interest and gains, then you have to pay taxes on $50K. Does the taxes come out of the nestegg or the $40K withdrawal? I really have trouble figuring out what the tax hit will be once I am in retirement. I think I have a good handle on my expenses. Fire, ING what's your number, etc all yield largely different numbers.