Retirement Calculator
Find out if you're on track for retirement. Enter your details below to see your projected retirement savings.
Your Information
Historical stock market average: 7-10%
Enter your information and click "Calculate" to see your retirement projection
How This Calculator Works
Future Value
We project your savings growth using compound interest and your expected return rate.
4% Rule
We use the 4% safe withdrawal rate to estimate how much income your portfolio can generate.
Gap Analysis
We compare your projected savings to what you'll need for your desired lifestyle.
Need More Than a Calculator?
A calculator can give you a starting point, but true retirement planning requires personalized analysis of your complete financial picture.
Get a Personalized Retirement PlanWhy Use This Calculator?
Understanding your retirement trajectory gives you the power to make informed decisions today.
Visualize Your Future
See how your current savings and contributions compound over time to your retirement date.
Identify Gaps Early
Discover if you're on track or need to adjust your savings strategy while there's still time.
Account for Inflation
Our calculator factors in inflation so you know what your money will really be worth.
Test Scenarios
Adjust contribution amounts, retirement age, or expected returns to see different outcomes.
Our Professional Analysis Goes Deeper
This calculator uses simplified assumptions. When you work with SWE90, we run your numbers through institutional-grade planning software that accounts for:
- ✓Variable market returns (Monte Carlo)
- ✓Tax-bracket optimization
- ✓Required Minimum Distributions
- ✓Healthcare cost projections
- ✓Social Security optimization
- ✓Estate planning integration
Get your comprehensive report
Request Full AnalysisDefinition
What is a retirement calculator?
A retirement calculator is a financial planning tool that projects future retirement savings based on current assets, contribution rates, expected returns, and inflation assumptions. It helps individuals determine whether they are on track to meet their retirement income goals.
Key Takeaways
- 1.Start calculating retirement needs at least 15 years before your target date.
- 2.Factor in inflation at 3% annually, $100,000 today requires $180,000 in 20 years.
- 3.The 4% safe withdrawal rule suggests you need 25x your desired annual income saved.
- 4.Catch-up contributions after 50 can add $7,500+ per year to your 401(k) savings.
Retirement Calculator Methods Compared
| Method | Approach | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4% Rule (Bengen) | Save 25x annual expenses; withdraw 4% year one | Simple planning baseline |
| Monte Carlo Simulation | Run 10,000+ random market scenarios | Probability-based planning |
| Income Replacement Ratio | Target 70-90% of pre-retirement income | Quick income needs estimate |
| Expense-Based | Project actual retirement expenses line-by-line | Detailed, accurate planning |
Source: Bengen Study 1994, Journal of Financial Planning, Fidelity Retirement Research 2024.
By the Numbers
25x
Annual income needed for retirement (4% rule)
Bengen Study
$1.2M
Average savings needed to retire at 65
Fidelity
"A retirement calculator gives you a starting point, but it's the assumptions behind the numbers that matter most. I always stress-test with multiple scenarios, optimistic, moderate, and conservative, to give clients confidence in their plan."
Brett R. Henderson, CIMA, CPFA, CRPS
Fiduciary Financial Advisor, SWE90, On retirement planning accuracy
Sources & References
Data from the following authoritative sources is referenced on this page. According to these research organizations:
- Source: Bengen Study (1994/2024); 4% safe withdrawal rate over 30-year retirement periods
- Source: Fidelity Investments (2024); Average retirement savings needed: $1.2M at age 65
Important Disclosure
This calculator is provided for educational and illustrative purposes only. The projections or other information generated regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results. Results will vary based on market conditions, taxes, fees, inflation, and other factors not reflected in this calculator. This tool does not constitute personalized financial advice. Consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.
Brett R. Henderson is a registered representative of Vanderbilt Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, and an investment adviser representative of Consolidated Portfolio Review Strategic Wealth Endeavor, Inc. and Vanderbilt Financial Group are separate and unaffiliated entities. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Not FDIC Insured • Not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value.