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Retirement Payday

Retirement Payday

Will your 401(k) and retirement savings last through retirement? Use this free calculator to find out. Enter your age, savings, and contributions to get year-by-year projections, see when your funds could run out, and explore what-if scenarios — all without creating an account.

Getting Started • FAQ

Your Information

Peak Assets

$2,025,067

Funds Depleted At

Age 86

💡 Good, but could be better

Years in Retirement

21years

Age 65 to 86

How Long Will Your Savings Last?

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Why Retirement Planning Matters

The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more time compound growth has to work in your favor. Even modest contributions in your 20s and 30s can grow into substantial savings by retirement age, because each year's gains generate their own returns in the years that follow.

One of the biggest risks in retirement planning is outliving your savings. With life expectancies rising, many retirees need their funds to last 25 to 30 years or more. Without a clear plan, it's easy to underestimate how much you'll need.

Small changes can make a big difference. Increasing your 401(k) contribution by just 1% — or delaying retirement by a year or two — can add tens of thousands of dollars to your lifetime savings. This calculator helps you visualize those effects so you can make informed decisions about your financial future.

Getting Started

How to Use This Calculator
1

Enter Your Details

Start with your age, income, current savings, and 401(k) contribution rate.

2

Review Your Projection

See your peak assets, when funds may deplete, and years in retirement.

3

Adjust & Explore

Try different scenarios by changing contribution rates, retirement age, or expenses.

Understanding the Inputs

Ages

Your current age and when you plan to retire. Even delaying retirement by two or three years can meaningfully improve your projections thanks to extra contributions and compound growth.

Current Savings

Total across all retirement accounts (401k, IRA, Roth IRA, etc.). Check your latest quarterly statement or log into your plan provider's website for the most accurate figure.

Salary & Contributions

Your annual income and 401(k) contribution percentage. Keep in mind the IRS sets annual contribution limits — increasing your percentage even by 1-2% can accelerate savings growth significantly over time.

Yearly Expenses

Estimated annual spending in retirement. A good starting point is your current annual spending. Note that some costs decrease in retirement (commuting, work clothes) while others may increase (healthcare, travel).

Partner Income (optional)

Toggle to include a spouse's salary and contributions. Combining household income and savings gives a more complete and accurate picture of your retirement readiness as a couple.

Pension (optional)

A one-time lump sum received at retirement from an employer-provided pension plan. This is separate from Social Security — enter only pension benefits here.

Typical Values Reference
Input Typical Range
401(k) Contribution 6% – 15%
Employer Match 50% – 100% up to 6%
Pre-Retirement Growth 6% – 8%
Post-Retirement Growth 4% – 6%
Inflation Rate 2% – 3%

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What information do I need to use this calculator?
You'll need your current age, retirement savings balance, annual salary, and 401(k) contribution percentage. For best results, also estimate your yearly expenses in retirement. You can find your current 401(k) balance on your plan provider's website or your most recent quarterly statement.
Should I include my partner's income?
Yes, if you’re planning retirement together. Toggle "Include Partner Income" to add their salary and contributions for a combined household projection.
What if I don't know my exact numbers?
Start with estimates! You can adjust the numbers anytime and see how changes affect your projection. Use the "Typical Values" reference in the Getting Started section.

Understanding the Results

How long will my retirement savings last?
This calculator answers exactly that by projecting your savings year by year. Enter your current age, savings, contributions, and expected retirement expenses to see precisely when your funds might run out—or confirm they’ll last your entire retirement.
What does "Funds Depleted At" mean?
This shows the age when your retirement savings would run out based on current projections. "Never" means your funds should last beyond age 125. If you see a specific age, consider adjusting your contribution rate, retirement age, or planned expenses to extend how long your savings will last.
What is "Peak Assets"?
This is the highest value your retirement savings will reach, typically occurring right around your retirement date before you start withdrawing funds. Peak assets are influenced by your contribution rate, investment growth rate, and retirement age. A higher contribution rate or later retirement date generally results in a larger peak.
How do I read the projection chart?
The chart shows your projected assets over time. The vertical dashed line marks your retirement age. The area under the curve represents your total savings at each age. Hover over the chart for detailed information at any point.
What do the different colors in the results mean?
Green indicates you're on track with funds lasting well beyond typical life expectancy. Yellow suggests moderate concern with funds potentially running out in your 80s or early 90s. Red signals action is needed as funds may run out relatively early in retirement.

Improving Your Outlook

What can I do if my funds are projected to run out?
Consider: (1) Increasing your contribution percentage, (2) Delaying retirement by a few years, (3) Reducing planned retirement expenses, or (4) If your partner works, adding their contributions.
How much difference does delaying retirement make?
Delaying even 2-3 years can significantly impact your projection because you gain extra years of contributions AND investment growth, while reducing the number of years you'll need to withdraw.
Should I adjust the growth rates in Advanced Settings?
The defaults (7% pre-retirement, 5% post-retirement) are reasonable historical averages. Use lower rates (5-6% pre, 3-4% post) for conservative estimates, or higher rates for optimistic scenarios.

Calculator Assumptions

How accurate are these projections?
This calculator provides estimates based on consistent annual growth and inflation rates. Real markets fluctuate. Use this as a planning tool, not a guarantee. Consider consulting a certified financial planner for personalized advice.
Why are there two different growth rates?
Pre-retirement assumes a more aggressive investment strategy (stocks, growth funds) — for example, an 80/20 stock-to-bond allocation. Post-retirement assumes a more conservative approach (bonds, stable investments) — such as a 40/60 stock-to-bond allocation — to protect your assets from market downturns when you're withdrawing funds.
Does this include Social Security?
No, this calculator focuses on personal retirement savings. Social Security would be additional income that could reduce your yearly expense needs or extend how long your savings last. Learn more at the Social Security Administration.
How is employer match calculated?
By default, your employer matches 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary. For example, if you contribute 10%, you get the match on the first 6% — so the employer adds an extra 3% of your salary. Employer match formulas vary widely, so check your specific plan documents or ask your HR department for your exact match structure.

Important Disclaimer

This retirement calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The projections and results displayed are estimates based on the information you provide and simplified assumptions about investment returns, inflation, and other factors.

  • Results are not guaranteed and may not accurately predict your actual retirement outcomes.
  • Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment returns can vary significantly and may include losses.
  • This tool does not constitute financial, tax, investment, or legal advice.
  • You should consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or other licensed professionals before making any financial decisions based on these projections. See IRS retirement plan resources for tax-related guidance.
  • The creators of this tool assume no responsibility or liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

By using this calculator, you acknowledge that you understand these limitations and agree that this tool should be used as one of many resources in your retirement planning process.