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Retirement Calculator

How much do you need to retire? Calculate your retirement nest egg and required monthly savings.

Your Information

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Projected Nest Egg
$0
You Need (4% rule)
$0
Status
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Years to Retirement
0
If you fall short, save this monthly to hit your goal:
$0

The 4% Rule for Retirement

The "4% rule" is a popular retirement guideline. It suggests you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement portfolio in your first year of retirement, then adjust that amount for inflation each subsequent year, with a high probability of your money lasting 30+ years.

For example, if you want $60,000/year in retirement, you need: $60,000 ÷ 0.04 = $1,500,000 saved.

How Much Should You Save Each Month?

Financial experts often recommend saving 15% of your gross income for retirement, including any employer match. If your employer matches 5%, you contribute 10%.

Where to Save for Retirement

  1. 401(k) up to employer match - Free money, contribute first
  2. Roth IRA - Tax-free growth, $7,000 limit (2026)
  3. Max out 401(k) - Up to $23,500 (2026)
  4. Taxable brokerage - For surplus after maxing tax-advantaged accounts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 4% rule still valid?

Yes, though some experts now suggest 3.5%-4% to be safer with longer life expectancies. The original Trinity Study found 4% works in 95%+ of historical 30-year periods.

Should I include Social Security?

Yes, but conservatively. You can reduce your "needed" amount by your expected Social Security benefits. The average benefit in 2026 is around $1,900/month.

What return should I expect?

For a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, 6-8% annually is reasonable. Pure stock portfolios may average 8-10%, while conservative bond-heavy portfolios may earn 4-6%.