Buckets is a good way to think of things although it all ends up being one big bucket.

Although I'm not actually following through on this 100% I had money in Fidelity to cover me from 60 to 70 when I would start my social security. A bunch of treasuries. I didn't actually create a ladder but just bought them, often shorter term ones here and there. Then at 70, my withdrawal rate might be in the 2% range and I would use my larger account at Schwab.

Fortunately despite being fairly conservatively invested, neither account has declined in value due to the markets.

I have gotten better at mapping out treasuries, TIPs and MYGAs to cover my expenses over those years. I still have some gaps here and there but overall not bad.

I don't think I would ever be comfortable 100% in stocks unless I had a pension that was high enough to cover my essential expenses which I don't.


100% stocks in retirement with 4% WR.
Enough cash & near-cash to get through a 50% drawdown, say 2.5 years of expenses worth, or 10% of liquid net worth.

1995 retiree is doing great:
testfol.io: Portfolio Backtester for ETFs and Asset Allocation

2000 retiree had a rough time, but survived:
testfol.io: Portfolio Backtester for ETFs and Asset Allocation

2008 retiree had a rough time and is doing just fine:
testfol.io: Portfolio Backtester for ETFs and Asset Allocation


I'm not sure I would have lived through that drawdown. Down 70% within 8 years of retirement and withdrawing ~$40K on a $300K portfolio. Definitely would cause ulcers or a heart attack and a lot of sleepless nights.

Rich