Find out how much you could have saved by retirement based on your current age, savings, monthly contributions, and expected investment returns.
| Age | Balance | Total Contributed | Growth |
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A common rule of thumb is the 4% rule: if you withdraw 4% of your portfolio per year, your savings should last roughly 30 years in retirement. So if you have $1,000,000 saved, you could withdraw about $40,000/year ($3,333/month) without depleting your nest egg too quickly.
This retirement calculator projects your savings growth based on your current age, savings, monthly contributions, and an expected annual return — then estimates your monthly retirement income using the 4% rule (or any withdrawal rate you choose).
A widely used guideline for how much you can safely withdraw each year in retirement without running out of money.
Starting just 5–10 years earlier can dramatically increase your final retirement balance due to compound growth.
If your employer matches 401(k) contributions, include that in your monthly contribution — it's essentially free money.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for retirement planning.
One of the most common questions in personal finance is: "How much money do I need to retire?" The answer depends on your lifestyle, expected expenses, and how long your retirement will last — but there are reliable frameworks that can help you set a target.
The most widely used rule is the 4% rule, which suggests that if you withdraw 4% of your retirement portfolio in the first year and adjust for inflation each year after, your savings should last approximately 30 years. This means if you want $50,000 per year in retirement income, you need a portfolio of roughly $1,250,000 ($50,000 ÷ 0.04).
Financial planners often recommend saving 10–15% of your income throughout your working years. Combined with employer matching in a 401(k) or similar plan, consistent contributions can compound dramatically over a 30–40 year career.
Withdraw 4% of your portfolio per year in retirement. At this rate, a well-diversified portfolio historically lasts 30+ years without running out of money.
By age 30: 1× salary saved. By 40: 3×. By 50: 6×. By 60: 8×. By 67: 10×. These are guidelines — the earlier you start, the easier they are to reach.
Tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs let your money compound without being taxed year to year — significantly boosting long-term growth compared to taxable accounts.
A 25-year-old investing $300/month at 7% will have over $900,000 by 65. A 35-year-old doing the same has less than $450,000 — half the outcome for just 10 years of delay.
Effective retirement planning isn't just about saving — it's about making smart decisions across decades. Here are the key principles that financial research consistently supports:
Maximize employer matching first. If your employer matches 401(k) contributions up to 3% of your salary, always contribute at least that amount. It's an instant 100% return on that portion of your investment — nothing else in finance comes close.
Invest in low-cost index funds. Research consistently shows that most actively managed funds underperform their benchmark index over 15–20 years, primarily due to fees. A simple S&P 500 index fund with a 0.03% expense ratio will outperform the majority of actively managed alternatives over time.
Don't try to time the market. Studies show that missing just the 10 best trading days in a decade can cut your returns in half. The best strategy for most investors is consistent, automated contributions regardless of market conditions — also known as dollar-cost averaging.
Adjust your asset allocation over time. As you approach retirement, gradually shifting from stocks to bonds reduces volatility and protects your accumulated wealth from large market downturns just before you need the money.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized retirement planning advice.