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RSU Vesting Withdrawal Schedule Planner

Create a withdrawal schedule for value generated by vested RSUs. Starting from an after-tax balance, the planner applies an assumed annual return to the remaining funds and subtracts a regular monthly withdrawal until the planning horizon ends or the balance is depleted.

The schedule is useful for turning a one-time or accumulated equity award into a spending plan, such as covering a sabbatical, bridging to another income source, or setting a maximum monthly draw. It does not assume you continue holding employer stock; the starting balance can represent cash or a diversified portfolio after vesting and sale.

Inputs

USD
USD
%
months
Result
—
Estimated ending balance
Ending balance—
Total withdrawn—
Months supported—
Initial annual draw rate—

1. Enter the after-tax balance
Use the amount you expect to have available after vesting-related taxes and any immediate deductions.

2. Set a monthly draw
Enter the amount you want to withdraw at the end of each modeled month.

3. Choose a return assumption
Use a yearly return for whatever asset mix you expect the remaining balance to hold.

4. Set the horizon
Choose the number of months you want to evaluate.

5. Compare the ending balance and support
A positive ending balance means the plan survives the selected horizon under the assumption; zero means it is depleted earlier or exactly by the end.

Monthly return = (1 + annual return)^(1/12) - 1
Monthly ending balance = max(0, prior balance × (1 + monthly return) - withdrawal)

Where:

  • annual return = scenario return for the remaining balance
  • withdrawal = regular cash draw per month
  • prior balance = balance carried into each month

Assumptions: The return is constant and applied before the withdrawal each month. Taxes on investment returns and changing withdrawals are not separately modeled.

What the result means

This is a constant-return cash-flow model. Actual market paths and spending changes can produce materially different outcomes.

Change one assumption at a time to compare scenarios and understand which input has the largest effect on the result.

Given:

  • After-tax starting balance: $80,000
  • Monthly withdrawal: $2,000
  • Expected annual return: 3%
  • Horizon: 60 months

Calculation:
The 3% annual assumption is converted to a monthly equivalent of about 0.247%. The balance grows by that rate and then $2,000 is deducted each month.

Result:
The balance lasts for several years but is expected to be depleted before a full 60-month horizon at this withdrawal pace.

Interpretation: Reducing the monthly draw or increasing the starting balance extends the schedule more directly than relying on a higher assumed return.

Can the starting balance be cash instead of employer shares?

Yes. The calculator only needs a dollar balance. It can represent cash proceeds, a diversified investment account, or another pool funded by vested RSUs.

Does the model sell shares automatically?

No. It models balance-level cash flow rather than trade execution. If you plan to sell shares periodically, translate that plan into the dollar withdrawal amount you expect to take.

Why is the annual draw rate shown?

It compares the first year of planned withdrawals with the starting balance. It is a quick context metric, not a recommendation or a guarantee of sustainability.

What if investment returns are negative?

Enter a negative annual return greater than -100%. The planner will apply the equivalent monthly decline, which generally shortens the supported period.

Are vesting taxes included?

Only through the starting balance you enter. Use an after-tax starting amount if you want the withdrawal schedule to reflect vesting-related taxes.