Retirement Calculator FAQ
How much money do I need to retire?
That depends on how much annual income you expect to need in retirement, how long retirement may last, your expected investment return, inflation, and any other income such as pension or Social Security. This calculator estimates the retirement amount required from those assumptions.
What is the difference between retirement savings needed and projected retirement savings?
The amount needed at retirement is the estimated nest egg required to fund the selected retirement income path. Projected retirement savings is what your current savings and future contributions may grow to by retirement. The gap or surplus compares those two values.
How does inflation affect retirement planning?
Inflation increases the cost of spending over time, which means the income you need in retirement can rise even if your lifestyle stays the same. This calculator uses inflation in retirement spending and inflation-adjusted withdrawal estimates where relevant.
Can this calculator estimate how long my savings will last?
Yes. The money-longevity mode estimates how many years and months a balance may support a chosen monthly withdrawal, given an average annual return assumption. It also shows a year-by-year remaining balance path.