"A four-year cushion should be enough to help you manage your risk in most bear markets.... [F]rom the 1960s through 2021, the average peak-to-peak recovery time for a diversified index of stocks in bear markets was about three and a half years.... Consider the following steps to minimize the impact of a down market on your retirement portfolio: [1] Know how much you can spend ... [2] Look for ways to reduce your spending ... [3] Look for other cash solutions ... [4] If you must tap your savings, be strategic."  MORE >>