Retirement savings calculator
For guidance only. This is not financial advice.
- Contributed
- Growth
View the data in a table
How it works
- Until retirement: your balance grows at the monthly return, and you contribute at the end of each month.
- Today’s money: balance ÷ (1 + inflation)^years.
- Monthly income: set so your balance runs out exactly at the end of the period, using the real return after inflation. That way the income keeps its buying power every year.
Worked example
You are 35 with $10,000 saved. You add $300 a month until 67 at 5% a year, then earn 3% in retirement, with 2% inflation, and want the money to last 20 years:
- You contribute $125,200 in total.
- Balance at retirement: $332,800.82.
- That balance in today’s money: $176,595.20.
- Monthly income: $810.26 in today’s money.
The gap between $332,800 and $176,595 is 32 years of inflation, which is why this calculator leads with income in today’s money.
Using the result
Time does a lot of the work. Try delaying your start by ten years and compare: we explain why in the case for saving for retirement early. Taxes and fees are not included.
Frequently asked questions
Does it include Social Security or a state pension?
No. It shows only what your own savings could provide. Add any state pension you expect on top of this result.
What does "today's money" mean?
It is the value after removing inflation, so you can compare it with what things cost now. A large balance in 30 years will buy much less than the same amount today.
What return is reasonable?
It depends on your investments and is never guaranteed. Try several cautious scenarios and see what happens if returns fall short of what you expect.