FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. It's a lifestyle where people save and invest aggressively (often 50–70% of income) to retire in their 40s or 50s. Age 55 is a common target because of the Rule of 55, which allows penalty-free 401(k) withdrawals from your current employer's plan if you leave that job in the year you turn 55.

What return rate should I use?

Historical stock market returns average around 7% after inflation. A diversified portfolio might use 6–8%. Be conservative for long-term planning.

Why include inflation?

Inflation erodes purchasing power. A dollar in 30 years won't buy what it does today. The calculator shows your withdrawal in today's dollars so you can plan realistically.

Should I include Social Security?

This calculator focuses on your personal savings. Add Social Security or pension income separately when planning your total retirement income.

Retirement Calculator

This calculator projects how much you'll have at retirement based on your current savings, monthly contributions, and expected investment return. It uses compound interest: your money grows on itself over time. We show your balance at key ages (55, 62, 67, 70) and your potential monthly income using the 4% rule—a common guideline for sustainable withdrawals. Whether you're planning for early retirement (FIRE), Social Security timing, or a traditional retirement age, this tool helps you see the numbers. Below we explain the math, walk through an example, and note important limitations.

Retirement age:

Return:

Results

Balance at retirement$1,015,810.37

Monthly income (4% rule)$3,386.03

Total contributions$180,000.00

Investment growth$785,810.37

Years to retirement30 years

Balance at key ages

Age	Balance	4% / month
55	$462,400.27	$1,541.33/mo
62	$807,709.18	$2,692.36/mo
67	$1,180,825.39	$3,936.08/mo
70	$1,475,834.89	$4,919.45/mo

Breakdown

How it's calculated

Your balance grows using compound interest: current savings plus monthly contributions, earning your expected annual return (compounded monthly). The formula is the same as compound interest with regular contributions. Inflation is used to show your "real" purchasing power—what your withdrawal would feel like in today's dollars.

Example calculation

Age 35, retire at 65, $50,000 saved, $500/month contribution, 7% expected return:

Input	Value
Current savings	$50,000
Monthly contribution	$500
Expected return	7% (compounded monthly)
Years to retirement	30
Balance at 65	≈ $730,000
4% annual withdrawal	≈ $29,200/year (~$2,433/month)

The 4% rule

The 4% rule suggests you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually without running out of money over a 30-year retirement. This calculator shows your projected monthly income at that rate. Actual needs depend on your lifestyle, longevity, and market conditions—treat it as a guideline, not a guarantee.

Limitations

Assumes a fixed return; real markets fluctuate.
Does not include Social Security, pensions, or taxes.
4% rule is based on historical data; future results may differ.
Inflation and longevity risk are simplified.

Frequently asked questions

Retirement Planning: 401k, IRA, and Beyond

Why Use a Retirement Calculator

A retirement calculator helps you project how much you'll have when you stop working. Whether you're saving in a 401k, IRA, Roth IRA, or taxable account, the same math applies: current balance plus contributions, growing at your expected return. A retirement planner—or financial retirement planner—uses these projections to help you set goals and adjust your savings rate. This tool works as a 401k calculator, IRA calculator, or Roth account calculator: enter your balances and contributions to see your projected growth.

401k Calculator and IRA Calculator Basics

A 401k calculator projects growth in your employer-sponsored plan. An IRA calculator does the same for traditional or Roth IRAs. The key inputs are current savings, monthly or annual contributions, expected return, and years until retirement. A Roth IRA calculator or Roth IRA estimator shows tax-free growth—you contribute after-tax money, so withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Use an IRA account calculator to model different scenarios: maxing out contributions, increasing savings over time, or adjusting your expected return.

Retirement Planner and Social Security

A retirement planner combines your projected savings with other income sources. Social Security will likely be part of your retirement income—use a social security calculator or social security estimator to estimate your benefits. A social security income calculator or social security payments calculator can help you decide when to claim (62, 67, or 70). Financial planning retirement planner tools often integrate both. This calculator focuses on your personal savings; add Social Security separately when planning total retirement income.

RMD and Distribution Planning

Once you reach 72 (or 73 depending on birth year), you must take required minimum distributions from traditional IRAs and 401ks. An RMD calculator or required minimum distribution calculator helps you estimate those withdrawals. An IRA RMD calculator, IRA distribution calculator, or minimum distribution calculator can show how RMDs affect your balance over time. This retirement calculator projects growth before RMDs; when you retire, consider an ira required minimum distribution calculator for withdrawal planning.

Limitations and Next Steps

Retirement calculators assume a fixed return—real markets fluctuate. Use conservative estimates (e.g., 6–7% for a diversified portfolio) for long-term planning. Tax treatment of 401k vs Roth IRA differs; this tool doesn't model taxes. For detailed financial planning, consider working with a professional or using tools that integrate social security, RMD, and tax projections.