Project your nest egg at retirement, then see how many years it can cover your spending — so you know if you're on track.
This is a simplified projection using constant returns and steady contributions and spending. It does not adjust for inflation, taxes, market volatility, or changes in Social Security. Real outcomes vary widely. Results are estimates and not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for retirement planning.
The projection runs in two phases. Before retirement, your current savings plus monthly contributions grow at your expected return, building your nest egg. After retirement, the calculator withdraws the gap between your monthly spending and your other income (like a pension or Social Security) each month, while the remaining balance still earns a more conservative return. It then estimates how long the money lasts.
One popular rule of thumb is the 4% rule: you can withdraw about 4% of your nest egg in the first year of retirement, adjusting for inflation afterward, with a reasonable chance of lasting 30 years. That implies a nest egg roughly 25 times your annual withdrawal need. Use this calculator to pressure-test your own numbers rather than relying on a single rule.
It depends on your spending, other income, and how long your retirement lasts. A common starting point is 25 times your annual withdrawal need (the 4% rule), but your real number depends on lifestyle, health, and location.
It suggests withdrawing about 4% of your nest egg in year one, then adjusting for inflation. Historically this gave a high chance of lasting 30 years, though it's a guideline, not a guarantee, and market conditions matter.
No. To approximate inflation, you can enter "real" (inflation-adjusted) return rates — for example, a 7% nominal return minus 3% inflation is about 4% real. Spending in real terms would then hold roughly steady.
You can include an estimate in the "other monthly income" field. Your actual benefit depends on your earnings history and the age you claim. The Social Security Administration provides personalized estimates.