🏖️ Retirement Calculator
Plan your retirement with confidence. Calculate savings growth, check retirement readiness, and see how long your money will last with professional charts and projections.
Years Until Retirement
35
💎 Savings at Retirement
$2,376,362
At age 65
💰 Sustainable Monthly Income
$7,921
Based on 4% rule
⏰ Money Lasts
50.0
Years at $5,000/mo
🎉 Retirement Readiness Score
Excellent
You're on track to exceed your retirement goals!
💵 Monthly Income Comparison
✅ Your sustainable income ($7,921) exceeds your desired income!
📊 Retirement Savings Growth
📉 Retirement Savings Drawdown
Shows how long your retirement savings will last at $5,000/month
💰 Contribution Scenario Comparison
See how different monthly contributions affect your retirement savings at age 65
🥧 Retirement Savings Breakdown
💡 Retirement Planning Tips
🚀 Start Early - Time is Your Biggest Asset
Starting 10 years earlier can triple your retirement savings due to compound interest. Don't wait!
💰 Max Out Employer Match
If your employer matches 401(k) contributions, contribute at least enough to get the full match. It's free money!
📊 The 4% Rule
Withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually to make your money last 30+ years. Adjust for inflation.
🔄 Automate Your Savings
Set up automatic contributions each paycheck. You won't miss what you don't see.
📈 Increase Contributions Annually
Bump up your contribution rate by 1% each year when you get a raise. You'll barely notice, but your future self will thank you.
💡 Consider Roth Accounts
Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Great for younger workers in lower tax brackets.
How to Use This Calculator
1️⃣ Enter Your Current Situation
Input your current age, retirement age, current retirement savings (401k, IRA, etc.), and how much you can contribute monthly. Be realistic about your ability to save consistently.
2️⃣ Set Return Expectations
Choose an expected annual return rate. Conservative portfolios (bonds) typically return 3-5%, balanced portfolios 5-7%, and aggressive stock portfolios 8-10%. Historical S&P 500 average is about 10%.
3️⃣ Define Retirement Goals
Enter your desired monthly income in retirement. Consider your current expenses and how they might change. Most experts recommend 70-80% of your pre-retirement income.
4️⃣ Check Your Readiness Score
Review your Retirement Readiness Score (0-100). A score of 80+ means you're on track. Below 60 means you should consider increasing contributions or adjusting retirement plans.
5️⃣ Explore Different Scenarios
Use the contribution scenario comparison to see how changing your monthly savings impacts retirement. Small increases now can lead to significantly more money later.
Understanding Retirement Concepts
📊 The 4% Rule
This rule suggests you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually without running out of money for at least 30 years.
Example: With $1,000,000 saved, you can withdraw $40,000 per year ($3,333/month) safely.
💰 Compound Interest
Your money earns returns, then those returns earn returns. This exponential growth is why starting early matters so much.
Example: $10,000 at 7% annual return becomes $76,123 after 30 years - that's $66,123 in free money!
🎯 Retirement Accounts
Tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA help your money grow faster by reducing or deferring taxes.
- 401(k): Employer-sponsored, often with matching
- Traditional IRA: Tax-deductible contributions
- Roth IRA: Tax-free withdrawals in retirement
📈 Asset Allocation
How you split investments between stocks, bonds, and other assets affects both risk and potential returns.
Rule of thumb: Subtract your age from 110 to get your stock percentage. At 30, hold 80% stocks and 20% bonds.
Common Retirement Questions
How much do I need to retire comfortably?
A common rule is to aim for 10-12x your final annual salary. If you make $80,000/year, target $800,000-$960,000 in retirement savings. However, your actual needs depend on lifestyle, health care costs, and other income sources like Social Security.
When should I start saving for retirement?
Yesterday! But seriously, the best time to start is as soon as you have stable income. Someone who starts saving at 25 vs 35 will have roughly twice as much money at retirement, even with the same monthly contributions. Compound interest rewards early savers exponentially.
How much should I contribute each month?
Experts recommend saving 15-20% of your gross income for retirement. At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer 401(k) match. If you're behind on savings, you may need to save 25-30% to catch up.
What return rate should I expect?
It depends on your asset allocation. Conservative portfolios (mostly bonds): 3-5%. Balanced (50/50 stocks/bonds): 5-7%. Aggressive (mostly stocks): 8-10%. The historical S&P 500 average is about 10%, but past performance doesn't guarantee future returns. Be conservative in your planning.
Should I pay off debt or save for retirement?
Do both if possible! Always contribute enough to get your employer match (it's free money). For high-interest debt (credit cards 15%+), prioritize paying that off. For low-interest debt (mortgage 3-4%), you're better off investing since returns typically exceed the interest rate.
Can I retire early?
Yes! Early retirement (before 65) is possible but requires aggressive saving - typically 30-50% of income. You'll also need to bridge the gap to age 59.5 (when you can access retirement accounts penalty-free) and age 65 (Medicare eligibility). Consider the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement for strategies.
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