The 4% rule states simply that for a 30 year withdrawal period, based upon past history, you will not run out of money.

THe 'worst case' you run out of money exactly 30 years after you retire.

That is 1 in 30.

in the other 29 years, you will die with some money. It is a distribution curve.....in some cases, you will wind up with 5 or 8 times as much money.

First you need to read "The Millionaire Next Door" to evaluate whether you want to scrimp and save to leave an 'estate' to your kids!.......

Other than putting aside money for the usual things (college education and marriage), you might want to reconsider the 'need' to leave money to kids......

Often the best thing you can do for your kids is to insure that YOU have the means to live out your life with what you need.

t.