---
title: 💰 Why Top Advisors Are Ditching the 4% Rule for Smarter, More Secure Income Plans
description: Discover why top advisors are shifting from the 4% rule to smarter income plans using Fixed Indexed Annuities for more secure, lifelong retirement income.
---

[News you can use](https://synergyannuity.com/news-you-can-use)

# [💰 Why Top Advisors Are Ditching the 4% Rule for Smarter, More Secure Income Plans](https://synergyannuity.com/news-you-can-use/why-top-advisors-are-ditching-the-4-rule-for-smarter-more-secure-income-plans)

 Written by [Eric Estrada](https://synergyannuity.com/news-you-can-use/author/eric-estrada) | Jun 9, 2025 3:30:01 PM

Morningstar recently updated its safe withdrawal rate — now suggesting 3.7% is the new benchmark for retirees who want their money to last. For a $5 million portfolio, that means drawing $185,000 per year. But even that “safe” rate comes with risk.

What if you could lock in half of that income **with only a quarter of the portfolio** — and guarantee it for life?

That’s the power of today’s **Fixed Indexed Annuities with income riders**.

#### 🔒 Real Income, Real Security

By allocating just 27% of the portfolio to a top-performing FIA, clients can lock in over **$92,000 of annual income — for life.** That means:

- ✅ Less stress about markets
- ✅ More freedom to grow other assets
- ✅ More room to plan for health care, LTC, or legacy

With a base level of retirement income secured, your clients can take a more confident, longer-term approach with the rest of their money.

#### 📊 Smarter Portfolios, Not Just Safer

This isn’t about abandoning investment portfolios. It’s about giving clients **permission to grow** without fear. Monte Carlo simulations show better retirement outcomes when guaranteed income is layered in.

And unlike outdated views of annuities, **you don’t need to allocate the entire portfolio**. A strategic portion gets the job done — and opens up planning options for:

- Long-term care coverage
- Asset-based protection strategies
- Legacy enhancement using fixed life insurance

#### 🚀 Want to Show Clients How?

We can help you build a personalized income plan — complete with side-by-side comparisons, Monte Carlo modeling, and illustrations of how annuities improve the outcome.

Let’s talk about your next case.

[View full post](https://synergyannuity.com/news-you-can-use/why-top-advisors-are-ditching-the-4-rule-for-smarter-more-secure-income-plans)

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