Minna,
I too, have been puzzling over the same question for some time- even though my retirement is still about 13 yrs. away. My "tentative" plan is to convert the money in the tax-deferred accounts into a life time annuity with monthly payout. Then, re-allocate a portion of the taxable accounts to a diversified portfolio of utilities(water, elec, gas), and REITs, and oils with scattered payouts, so as to receive checks every month. The rest of the taxable accounts will be skimmed off at the end of each year according to the percentage of their growth. All these incomes are to replenishing an "escrow" account wich will contain enough cash to be withdrawn in a monthly lump sum. Hope this has been food for thought.
Regards,
Eddie
p.s. I'll be interested to see any modifications to this plan.