Retirement Savings Planner
How to Use the Retirement Calculator
Our free retirement calculator helps you plan your financial future. Enter your current savings, monthly contribution, expected annual return (default 7% which accounts for inflation), and years until retirement. The calculator projects your total retirement savings, breakdown of contributions vs. investment earnings, and helps you see if you're on track.
Example Calculations
- $50,000 saved, $500/month, 7% return, 30 years: Estimated retirement savings = $848,128. Total contributions = $230,000. Investment earnings = $618,128.
- $100,000 saved, $1,000/month, 8% return, 20 years: Estimated retirement savings = $1,067,298. Total contributions = $340,000. Investment earnings = $727,298.
- $10,000 saved, $200/month, 6% return, 40 years: Estimated retirement savings = $506,653. Total contributions = $106,000. Investment earnings = $400,653. Starting early makes a huge difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to save for retirement?
A common guideline is to save 10-15% of your pre-tax income annually. By age 30, aim to have 1x your salary saved; by 40, 3x; by 50, 6x; by 60, 8x; and by 67, 10x your salary. Use our calculator to see if you're on track.
What is the 4% rule for retirement?
The 4% rule suggests you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually without running out of money for 30 years. For example, with $1 million saved, you could withdraw $40,000 per year. This rule is a guideline, not a guarantee.
What is a 401(k) vs IRA?
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account, often with employer matching — that's free money! An IRA is an individual retirement account you open yourself. Both offer tax advantages, but 401(k)s typically have higher contribution limits.
What is a reasonable return on retirement investments?
Historically, the stock market has returned an average of 7-10% annually before inflation. Our calculator uses a default of 7% which accounts for inflation, giving you a realistic estimate of future purchasing power.
How much do I need to save for retirement?
A common rule of thumb is to save 10-15% of your income. The exact amount depends on your desired retirement lifestyle, expected Social Security benefits, and other income sources. Our calculator helps you estimate your future nest egg.
Also try our Compound Interest Calculator and Budget Calculator.