Retirement Calculator

Plan your retirement savings and estimate your future income

How to Use the Retirement Calculator

1

Enter Your Details

Input your current age, retirement age, and current savings.

2

Set Your Goals

Define monthly contributions, expected returns, and desired income.

3

Review Projections

See your retirement savings projection and adjust as needed.

Key Factors in Retirement Planning

Expected Rate of Return

  • Conservative (3-5%): Bonds, savings accounts
  • Moderate (5-7%): Balanced portfolio
  • Aggressive (7-10%): Stock-heavy portfolio
  • Historical S&P 500 average: ~10% annually

Inflation Considerations

  • Historical average: 2-3% annually
  • Reduces purchasing power over time
  • Critical for long-term planning (30+ years)
  • Healthcare costs often inflate faster

Contribution Strategies

  • Start with employer match (free money)
  • Increase contributions with raises
  • Max out tax-advantaged accounts first
  • Consider catch-up contributions (age 50+)

Retirement Age Impact

  • Retiring 5 years earlier requires ~40% more savings
  • Full Social Security benefits: age 67 (born after 1960)
  • Working longer = more savings + less time in retirement
  • Medicare starts at 65, plan for coverage before

Popular Retirement Accounts

401(k) / 403(b)

  • 2024 Limit: $23,000
  • Catch-up (50+): $7,500
  • Tax: Pre-tax contributions
  • Match: Often employer matching
  • Withdrawal: Age 59½ penalty-free

Traditional IRA

  • 2024 Limit: $7,000
  • Catch-up (50+): $1,000
  • Tax: Tax-deductible contributions
  • Match: No employer match
  • RMD: Required at age 73

Roth IRA

  • 2024 Limit: $7,000
  • Catch-up (50+): $1,000
  • Tax: After-tax, tax-free growth
  • Income Limits: Phase-out applies
  • RMD: No required distributions

Common Retirement Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Starting Too Late

Every year delayed requires significantly more savings. Start as early as possible to leverage compound interest.

Ignoring Inflation

Failing to account for inflation can leave you with insufficient purchasing power in retirement.

Missing Employer Match

Not contributing enough to get full employer match is leaving free money on the table.

Underestimating Healthcare Costs

Healthcare expenses in retirement can be substantial. Plan for Medicare gaps and long-term care.

Taking Early Withdrawals

Early withdrawals face penalties and taxes, plus lose compound growth potential.

Being Too Conservative

While stability is important, being too conservative early on can limit growth potential.