Retirement Calculator: Will You Have Enough to Retire Comfortably?

Published August 2026 | 8 min read

Most people guess at retirement savings. They pick a number that feels right — $500,000, $1 million, $2 million — without knowing if it's actually enough. The truth? Your retirement number depends on your spending, not your income.

Our free retirement calculator shows you exactly how much you need and what to save monthly. Here's how to use it.

The 4% Rule: A Starting Point

The 4% rule says you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement portfolio each year without running out of money. This means:

If you need $40,000/year → Save $1,000,000
If you need $60,000/year → Save $1,500,000
If you need $80,000/year → Save $2,000,000

This assumes a 30-year retirement with a 50/50 stock/bond portfolio. Some experts now suggest 3.5% for extra safety, especially if you retire early.

How to Calculate YOUR Number

Step 1: Estimate your annual retirement spending. Start with your current expenses, then adjust:

Remove: Mortgage (if paid off), retirement savings, work costs
Add: Healthcare (budget $6,000–$10,000/year per person), travel, hobbies

Step 2: Multiply by 25 (using 4% rule). That's your target.

Step 3: Use our calculator to see if you're on track. Enter:

Current age and desired retirement age
Current retirement savings
Monthly contribution
Expected return (6% is conservative for long-term planning)

Example: Are You on Track?

Scenario: Age 30, wants to retire at 60, currently has $50,000 saved, wants $60,000/year in retirement.

Target: $60,000 × 25 = $1,500,000

Monthly need: $850/month at 7% return

Wait until 40 to start? Monthly need jumps to $2,100/month. The cost of waiting is real.

Catch-Up Contributions

If you're behind, the IRS allows extra contributions:

401(k): $23,000 base + $7,500 catch-up (age 50+)
IRA: $7,000 base + $1,000 catch-up (age 50+)

A 55-year-old maxing both could contribute $38,500/year. That's $385,000 over 10 years — not counting growth.

Where to Save: Account Priority

401(k) match — Free money. Always take the full match first.
HSA — Triple tax advantaged. Best account most people ignore.
Roth IRA — Tax-free growth. Perfect for early-career contributors.
Max 401(k) — Tax-deferred growth + reduces taxable income.
Taxable brokerage — Flexible access before age 59½.

💡 Track Your Net Worth Free

Link your accounts and see your full financial picture in one dashboard.

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The Bottom Line

Retirement isn't about hitting an arbitrary number. It's about covering your expenses sustainably. Use our retirement calculator to find your personal target, then automate your savings so you don't have to think about it.