Retirement Calculator - Plan Your Financial Future & Savings Goals

Calculate retirement savings needed, monthly contributions, and future income. Free retirement planning calculator with 401k, IRA, Social Security, and inflation adjustments for secure retirement.

Last updated: 1/27/2025

What would you like to calculate?

Calculate if you're on track for retirement and how much you need to save

Calculation Settings

Current Age

years

Retirement Age

Current Annual Income

$

Current Retirement Savings

$

Income Replacement Rate

Percentage of current income needed

Desired Annual Income

$

Life Expectancy

years

Pre-Retirement Return (%)

%

Post-Retirement Return (%)

%

Inflation Rate (%)

%

Monthly Contribution

$

Social Security Benefit

$

Retirement Planning Results

Enter your retirement planning information to see projections

Retirement Planning Tips

Start Early: Time is your biggest ally due to compound interest

Maximize Employer Match: It's free money - contribute enough to get the full match

Increase Contributions: Boost savings rate by 1% annually or with pay raises

Diversify Investments: Age-appropriate mix of stocks and bonds

Consider Roth Options: Tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement

Plan for Healthcare: Medicare doesn't cover everything - budget for medical costs

How to Use Our Retirement Calculator

Plan for a secure financial future with comprehensive retirement projections. Calculate savings needs, income replacement, and contribution strategies for confident retirement planning.

1

Set Your Timeline

Enter your current age, desired retirement age, and life expectancy. Include current income and existing retirement savings.

2

Define Your Goals

Set your desired retirement income, investment returns, and include Social Security and employer benefits as applicable.

3

Optimize Your Strategy

Review projections, identify shortfalls, and adjust contributions to create a realistic path to retirement security.

Key Retirement Rules

4% Withdrawal Rule

Withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually to make your money last 30+ years. You need 25 times your annual expenses saved.

Income Replacement

Plan to replace 70-90% of pre-retirement income. Lower expenses in retirement (no commute, mortgage paid off) may reduce this need.

Why Use Our Retirement Calculator

Take control of your financial future with comprehensive retirement planning and realistic projections.

Comprehensive Planning

Include all income sources: 401k, IRA, Social Security, employer match, and other retirement accounts for complete planning.

Multiple Scenarios

Calculate retirement readiness, project income, or determine required contributions to meet your specific goals.

Inflation Adjustment

Account for inflation's impact on purchasing power to ensure your retirement plan maintains your standard of living.

Realistic Projections

Use conservative withdrawal rates and age-appropriate investment returns for sustainable retirement income planning.

Year-by-Year Growth

Optional detailed projections show how your retirement savings grow over time with compound interest and contributions.

Actionable Insights

Get specific recommendations for monthly contributions needed and clear guidance on whether you're on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to retire comfortably?

A common rule is to replace 70-90% of your pre-retirement income. You'll need 20-25 times your annual expenses saved. For example, if you need $50,000/year in retirement, you'd need $1-1.25 million saved, assuming a 4% withdrawal rate.

What is the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals?

The 4% rule suggests you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually without running out of money over 30 years. It's based on historical market performance and inflation, though some experts now recommend 3-3.5% for longer retirements.

How much should I contribute to my 401k?

Contribute at least enough to get your full employer match (free money). Ideally, save 10-15% of your income for retirement. If you're behind, consider maximizing contributions: $23,000 for 2024, plus $7,500 catch-up if 50+.

When can I retire without penalties?

You can withdraw from 401k/IRA at 59½ without penalties (taxes still apply). Social Security starts at 62 (reduced) or full retirement age (66-67). However, you can retire anytime if you have enough savings outside retirement accounts.

Should I prioritize 401k or IRA contributions?

Prioritize 401k up to employer match first, then max out IRA for more investment options, then return to 401k. Consider Roth vs traditional based on current vs expected future tax rates. High earners may not qualify for Roth IRA direct contributions.

How does inflation affect my retirement planning?

Inflation reduces purchasing power over time. At 3% inflation, prices double every 23 years. Plan for 2-4% annual inflation and ensure your investments and retirement income can grow to maintain your standard of living throughout retirement.

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