Dear Liz: Im retired, 64 and delaying Social Security for a few years. I want to create a monthly stream of income from $850,000 in retirement funds. It may be needed to show a solid, dependable income so that I can get a mortgage. Is there any way to avoid the 20% federal and 7% state tax withholding? I do realize the amount I withdraw could trigger higher Medicare premiums in the future. The drawdown is $8,300 per month, which leaves me a spendable amount of $6,000.

Answer: Good for you for delaying the start of Social Security, but please get yourself to a fee-only certified financial planner before you tap any of your retirement funds. A 4% initial withdrawal rate from retirement funds is considered sustainable.

The amount youre contemplating would be nearly three times that. Even if youre withdrawing at that rate for a limited time, it could leave you without enough money later. And if this high withdrawal rate is the only way you can get the mortgage you want, you may be taking on more debt than you can really afford.

The certified financial planner also can help you with a tax strategy. Tax withholding on retirement income is usually voluntary, but paying the actual tax is mandatory.

The percentage you ultimately pay on the withdrawals will be based on your tax bracket, which could be higher or lower than the 20% federal and 7% state rates you cite.

Before you withdraw anything, you should have a good idea of what the tax bill will be and have plans to cover it. Those could include having the investment company withhold a certain percentage or making quarterly estimated tax payments.

You may have done well with a do-it-yourself approach up to this point, but there are many ways to mess up your finances unknowingly in retirement. Youd be smart to get expert help in creating a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy that maximizes your retirement income while minimizing the risk of running out of cash.

Liz Weston, Certified Financial Planner, is a personal finance columnist for NerdWallet. Questions may be sent to her at 3940 Laurel Canyon, No. 238, Studio City, CA 91604, or by using the Contact form at asklizweston.com.

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Liz Weston: Get professional help before withdrawing retirement funds - OregonLive.com