06/23/2026
One of the first things I look at when helping someone evaluate a pension is the implied withdrawal rate.
In simple terms, how much annual income is the pension offering compared to the lump sum value?
For example, if your pension offers $40,000 per year and the lump sum is $1,000,000, that's a 4% payout rate.
Now compare that to a pension offering $60,000 per year on a $500,000 lump sum. That's a 12% payout rate.
Those are two very different conversations.
A lower payout rate may make the lump sum more attractive because it offers greater flexibility and control.
A higher payout rate may make the monthly pension difficult to pass up because it could be challenging to safely generate that level of income elsewhere.
Of course, that's not the only factor. Your health, spouse, other assets, taxes, and retirement goals all matter.
But understanding the implied withdrawal rate is often a great place to start.
Sometimes the decision is a lot closer than people think.
And sometimes the numbers make the choice much easier.
The plan comes first.