Retirement Calculator
Plan your retirement by calculating how much you need to save and projecting your income throughout retirement. Consider 401k, IRA, and Social Security benefits.
Retirement Planning Details
How to Use the Retirement Calculator
- Enter Current Information: Input your current age, retirement age, and existing savings
- Set Contribution Amounts: Add your monthly or annual retirement contributions
- Include Employer Match: Add any 401k employer matching contributions
- Estimate Returns: Enter expected annual return rate (typically 6-8% for diversified portfolios)
- Plan for Expenses: Estimate your desired annual retirement income
- Review Results: See if you're on track and adjust contributions as needed
Calculation Examples
Early Career (Age 25)
Mid Career (Age 40)
Retirement Planning Guidelines:
- Start Early: Time is your most powerful tool in retirement planning
- Employer Match: Always contribute enough to get full employer 401k match
- Increase Over Time: Boost contributions with salary increases and bonuses
- Diversify Accounts: Use mix of 401k, IRA, Roth IRA, and taxable accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I save for retirement?
A common rule is to save at least 10-15% of your income. If you start later, you may need to save 20%+ of your income to catch up.
What's a realistic return rate to expect?
Historically, diversified stock portfolios have returned 7-10% annually. Many financial planners use 6-8% to be conservative and account for inflation.
Should I prioritize 401k or IRA?
Contribute to your 401k up to the employer match first, then consider IRA contributions, then back to 401k. The employer match is free money.
What if I'm behind on retirement savings?
Don't panic. Increase contributions gradually, take advantage of catch-up contributions after age 50, and consider working a few extra years if needed.
How does Social Security fit in?
Social Security typically replaces 25-40% of pre-retirement income. It's a foundation, but you'll need additional savings for comfortable retirement.
When can I access my retirement funds?
401k and traditional IRA withdrawals before age 59 1/2 typically incur penalties. Plan accordingly and keep some funds in accessible accounts for emergencies.
Understanding Retirement Planning
Key Principles
4% Rule
Withdraw 4% of retirement savings annually for sustainable income
Replacement Ratio
Plan for 70-80% of pre-retirement income in retirement
Age-Based Allocation
Stock percentage = 100 minus your age (rough guideline)
Account Types
401(k)
Employer-sponsored, tax-deferred, often with matching
Traditional IRA
Tax-deductible contributions, taxed on withdrawal
Roth IRA
After-tax contributions, tax-free growth and withdrawals
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