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Page version: 2026-08-12 | Official or primary sources are preferred for material rules and figures. AI may assist structure, translation, and code, but is not used as the sole factual source.
Accumulation and withdrawal phases behave differently
During working years, a downturn may be met with continued contributions. In retirement, selling during a downturn can permanently reduce the recovery base.
Average return hides the path
A single average cannot show when losses occurred.
Liquidity can reduce forced selling
Cash or lower-volatility reserves may help avoid selling risk assets immediately after a market decline.
Flexible spending is another risk tool
If some discretionary expenses can adjust, the retirement plan has more room to respond.
How can you use this in practice?
Put the concept into a calculator and compare at least two or three scenarios. Focus on which assumptions drive the result.
