Retirement Calculator
Plan your retirement savings. Estimate how much you need to save, how long your money will last, and track your progress toward financial independence.
Retirement Savings
Savings Goal
Monthly Contribution
Future Value of Savings
Real Value (Inflation Adj.)
Retirement Readiness
Year-by-Year Savings Growth
| Age | Year | Savings Balance | Contributions | Investment Growth |
|---|
Retirement Savings Rules of Thumb
- 4% Rule: Withdraw 4% of savings annually
- 80% Rule: Need 80% of pre-retirement income
- 25x Rule: Save 25× annual expenses
- Rule of 72: Years to double = 72 ÷ return rate
Savings by Age Milestones
- Age 30: 1× annual salary
- Age 40: 3× annual salary
- Age 50: 6× annual salary
- Age 60: 8× annual salary
- Age 67: 10× annual salary
Key Terms
- Nest Egg: Total retirement savings
- Withdrawal Rate: Annual % taken from savings
- Real Return: Return after inflation
- Sequence Risk: Risk of early market downturns
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to retire?
The 4% rule suggests you need 25 times your annual expenses. For example, if you need $50,000 per year, you need $1,250,000 saved. Our calculator estimates this based on your income goal.
What is a safe withdrawal rate?
The traditional 4% rule is considered safe for 30-year retirements. More conservative approaches use 3-3.5% for longer retirements or uncertain markets.
What investment return should I expect?
Historical S&P 500 returns average 7-10% annually, but inflation reduces real returns to 4-7%. We recommend using 5-7% for conservative planning.
When can I retire?
You can retire when your savings reach 25-30 times your annual expenses. Our calculator shows you the projected savings at your target retirement age and whether you're on track.
How does inflation affect retirement?
Inflation reduces purchasing power. At 3% inflation, $100 today will only be worth $55 in 20 years. Our calculator shows both nominal and inflation-adjusted (real) values.
What about Social Security?
Social Security typically replaces about 40% of pre-retirement income for average earners. This calculator focuses on personal savings; add Social Security to your income goals.
How much should I save monthly?
A common recommendation is to save 15% of your income starting in your 20s. Use our calculator to find the monthly contribution needed to reach your goal.
What about employer 401(k) matching?
Employer matches are "free money." Always contribute enough to get the full match. Our calculator assumes you're including employer contributions in your annual contribution amount.