Is the 4% rule still safe?

Yes! The 4% rule (withdrawing 4% of your portfolio annually, adjusted for inflation) survived every 30-year period in history, including the 2008 crash. Bill Bengen (its creator) now says up to 5.2% could work today. Alan and Katie like the 5%.
TIP: Flexibility is key—if markets dip, trim spending temporarily. 
👉 Check Week 10’s charts for real-world scenarios where even 6% worked!