How this retirement calculator works
It runs your plan in two halves. First it grows what you’ve already saved plus your monthly contributions up to your retirement age — that’s the climbing part of the chart. Then it spends that nest egg back down through retirement, withdrawing what you need each year (after Social Security or a pension), adjusted for inflation. Where those two halves meet is your nest egg; how far the second half stretches is how long your money lasts.
Every figure is shown in today’s money so the numbers feel real, and every assumption — how long you plan for, your expected returns, inflation, and your safe withdrawal rate — is visible and editable. Nothing is a black box.
Reading your verdict
The verdict is a calm, three-state read: On track, Almost there, or Let’s close the gap. It’s never a pass/fail — the math stays honest, but a shortfall is framed as a solvable plan. Whenever there’s a gap, you’ll see the exact extra monthly saving that reaches on-track, and the alternative of retiring a year or two later. The funded-ratio arc shows how close you already are, and Social Security usually does more of the heavy lifting than people expect.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to retire?
A common rule of thumb is about 25× your annual spending — but the honest answer depends on how much Social Security or a pension covers, how long you plan for, and your expected returns. This calculator nets out your other income, plans to age 90 by default, and shows the precise nest egg you need in today’s money. Enter your numbers above to see yours.
Can I retire at 65 with $1 million?
For many people, yes — especially with Social Security covering part of the bill. At a 4% withdrawal rate, $1 million provides about $40,000 a year before other income. Whether that’s enough depends on your spending: set your target above and you’ll get a clear verdict plus the exact change that would close any gap.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule is a guideline for how much you can withdraw from your savings each year without running out — roughly 4% of your starting balance, adjusted for inflation thereafter. It’s a starting point, not a guarantee. You can change the withdrawal rate in the assumptions to be more cautious or more aggressive.
Does Social Security change how much I need to save?
A lot. Social Security (or a pension) directly offsets what your savings have to cover. If you want to spend $60,000 a year and Social Security provides $24,000, your portfolio only needs to fund the remaining $36,000 — which dramatically lowers the nest egg you need. The average US check is around $1,900 a month.