06/17/2026
Saving for retirement gets a lot of attention. Spending those savings can be just as important.
A recent survey found that only 31% of Americans know what “decumulation” means — the process of drawing down retirement assets over time.
That uncertainty may help explain why some retirees spend far less than they could. One report found that about one-third of retirees still had 100% or more of their initial retirement assets by their mid-80s.
For many people, the concern is not just having enough saved. It is knowing how to use those savings while accounting for healthcare costs, inflation, taxes, market changes, and longevity.
Common withdrawal guidelines, such as the 4% rule, may provide a starting point, but they do not account for every personal circumstance.
The transition from saving to spending can be both emotional and financial. After decades of building retirement assets, using them thoughtfully can take a different kind of confidence.
Many Americans spend decades saving for retirement, but lack a plan for using that money once they stop working, a new survey finds. Here's what to know.
