Retirement Calculator

Q: How much do I need to retire?

A common guideline is the '25x rule': save 25 times your expected annual retirement spending. This is based on the '4% rule', withdrawing 4% of your portfolio annually has historically lasted 30+ years. If you need $50,000/year in retirement, aim for $1.25 million. Higher spending or earlier retirement requires a larger multiple.

Q: How much should I save for retirement each month?

Aim to save 15% of gross income for retirement, including any employer match. Starting at 25: saving $500/month at 7% grows to ~$1.4 million by 65. Starting at 35: need ~$1,100/month for the same result. The earlier you start, the less you need to save each month. Use our calculator to find your required savings rate.

Q: What is a 401(k) and how does it help retirement savings?

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan with major tax advantages. Traditional 401(k): contributions are pre-tax (reduces current taxable income), investments grow tax-deferred, withdrawals taxed as ordinary income. Roth 401(k): after-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals in retirement. 2026 contribution limit: $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+). Always contribute enough to get your full employer match, it's free money.

Q: What's the difference between a Traditional and Roth IRA?

Traditional IRA: contributions may be tax-deductible (depending on income and whether you have a workplace plan), growth is tax-deferred, withdrawals are taxed. Roth IRA: contributions are after-tax, growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. 2026 limit: $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+). Roth is generally better if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.

Q: When can I withdraw from my 401(k) without penalty?

You can make penalty-free 401(k) withdrawals starting at age 59½. Early withdrawals before 59½ typically incur a 10% penalty plus income tax. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must begin at age 73. Some exceptions apply for hardship, disability, first home purchase (IRAs only), and substantially equal periodic payments (SEPP/Rule 72(t)).

Q: What is Social Security and how much will I receive?

Social Security provides retirement income based on your 35 highest earning years. In 2026, the average monthly benefit is around $1,907; the maximum at full retirement age is $3,822. You can claim as early as age 62 (reduced benefits) or delay to age 70 (32% higher benefit than full retirement age). Our calculator lets you factor in estimated Social Security income.

Project your retirement savings and see how long your nest egg will last.

Updated October 2026

Retirement Details

Current Age

yrs

Retirement Age

yrs

Current Savings

$

Monthly Contribution

$

Annual Return Rate

% / year

Inflation Rate

% / year

Retirement Projection

Projected Savings$1,015,810.37

Summary

Total Contributed

$230,000.00

Total Growth

$785,810.37

Projected at Retirement

$1,015,810.37

Inflation-Adjusted (2.5% avg)

$484,280.16

Retirement Income (4% Rule)

Monthly Withdrawal

$3,386.03

Annual Withdrawal

$40,632.36

At 4% withdrawal rate, your savings last approximately 25 years (retire at 65, funds until ~90).

2026 Data

IRS-Sourced

Free Forever

How It Works

01

Enter Your Age & Savings

Input your current age, retirement goal age, and current savings balance.

02

Set Contributions & Rate

Add your monthly contribution and expected annual return rate.

03

See Your Projection

View projected savings, inflation-adjusted value, and monthly withdrawal income.

How the Retirement Calculator Works

This calculator compounds your current savings and monthly contributions forward to your target retirement age using the formula FV = PV × (1 + r)^n, where r is the monthly rate and n is the number of months. The 4% rule, pioneered by the Trinity Study, suggests withdrawing 4% annually for a portfolio with ~30 years of longevity.

The 4% Rule

Withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually. On $1M that's $40,000/year ($3,333/mo). Historically this has lasted 30+ years in most market conditions.

Inflation Adjustment

$1M in 30 years buys what ~$412K buys today at 3% inflation. The inflation-adjusted figure shows real purchasing power at retirement. To test other rates or periods, use the inflation calculator.

Historical Returns

The S&P 500 has averaged ~10% nominal / ~7% real returns over the long run. Use 6–7% for a conservative estimate in a diversified portfolio.

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Retirement Calculator. Frequently Asked Questions

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Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not tax, legal, or financial advice.