Current Age
Retirement Age
Current Savings ($)
Monthly Contribution ($)
Expected Annual Return (%)
Safe Withdrawal Rate (%)
Retirement Projection (click to copy)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to retire?
The most common rule: multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. To generate $50,000/year, you need $1.25 million (using the 4% rule). This assumes your savings grow at 5–7% annually and you withdraw 4% per year.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule states you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually with a very low risk of running out of money over 30 years. Based on historical US market returns. Some advisors now recommend 3–3.5% due to lower expected future returns.
What is a realistic investment return?
Historical US stock market average: ~10% annually before inflation, ~7% after inflation. A diversified portfolio (stocks + bonds) typically averages 5–8% real return. This calculator uses 7% as a default — adjust to match your actual investment mix.
Should I max out my 401k or IRA?
Yes, especially if your employer offers matching contributions — that's a guaranteed 50–100% return on investment. For 2025: 401k limit is $23,500/year ($31,000 if 50+). IRA limit is $7,000/year. Prioritise: 1) employer match, 2) max IRA, 3) max 401k.