Retirement Calculator

A common rule of thumb is 25 times your annual expenses (the "4% rule"). If you spend $50,000/year, aim for $1,250,000. This assumes you withdraw 4% annually, adjusted for inflation, and your portfolio lasts 30+ years. Your actual number depends on retirement age, lifestyle, healthcare costs, and Social Security income.

The S&P 500 has historically returned about 10% annually (7% after inflation). A balanced portfolio (60% stocks, 40% bonds) typically returns 7-8% nominal. Use 6-7% for conservative estimates, 8-10% for aggressive. The calculator lets you model different scenarios to see how return assumptions affect your outcome.

Starting early is the most powerful factor due to compound growth. Saving $500/month from age 25 to 65 at 7% yields about $1.2 million. Starting the same savings at age 35 yields only about $567,000 — less than half. Each year of delay costs significantly more to make up later.

Yes — you can set an expected inflation rate (typically 2-3%) to see projections in today's purchasing power. This is crucial because $1 million in 30 years buys significantly less than $1 million today. The real (inflation-adjusted) projection shows what your savings will actually be worth.

The calculator lets you optionally include expected Social Security benefits. The average monthly benefit in 2025 is about $1,900. Including it reduces the savings target you need from your portfolio. However, many planners suggest not relying heavily on Social Security given potential future benefit adjustments.