Retirement Savings Calculator

Your retirement number, demystified Retirement planning comes down to one question: how big a pile do you need to stop working and still pay your bills? The data shows most people are behind — the **median 401(k) balance for ages 65+ is about $95,425** (Vanguard, 2025). This calculator turns the unknowns into a single target and shows whether your habits will get you there.

The 4% rule The widely cited **4% rule** says you can withdraw about 4% of your nest egg in year one, then adjust for inflation, with a high chance it lasts ~30 years. Flip it around to find your target: **multiply your desired annual spending by 25**. Want $50,000/year from your portfolio? You need about **$1.25 million**.

Asset mix changes everything Not all dollars grow alike, which is why this tool lets you set a return for **stocks, bonds, and real estate** separately. Historically stocks have returned roughly **10% (≈7% real)**, bonds far less, and real estate around **5–6%**. Your blended return is the weighted average of your mix — a stock-heavy portfolio grows faster but swings harder, so many people shift toward bonds as they age.

Contribute where the tax breaks live Max the tax-advantaged accounts first. For **2026 you can put $24,500 in a 401(k)** (plus an **$8,000 catch-up** at 50+) and **$7,500 in an IRA**. Always grab the full **employer match** — it's free money. A common order: 401(k) to the match, then Roth IRA, then max the 401(k).

Don't forget Social Security Your portfolio isn't your only income. **Social Security** replaces part of your pre-retirement earnings; you can claim as early as **62** (reduced), at full retirement age (**66–67**), or wait until **70** for the biggest check. Add your estimated monthly benefit and it directly shrinks the nest egg you must build yourself.

Start now, adjust later You don't need perfect assumptions — you need to start, capture the match, and raise your savings rate over time. Use a moderate return, keep contributing through downturns, and let compounding carry you. **Medicare** begins at **65**, so plan for healthcare costs if you retire earlier.