Retirement Age & Savings Rate Calculator – When Can I Retire?
Estimate your retirement age based on savings rate, current savings, expected returns, and safe withdrawal rate. Includes FIRE number, scenarios, and action plan.
Retirement Age & Savings Rate Calculator – When Can I Retire?
Introduction
Your savings rate is the single biggest lever for retiring earlier. This guide shows how contributions, investment returns, and spending targets translate into a retirement timeline—and the tradeoffs to get there faster.
Key Concepts
- Savings rate: percent of income saved for investments
- FIRE number: annual spending × 25 (for a 4% starting withdrawal)
- Safe Withdrawal Rate (SWR): typically 3.5–4.0% starting point
- Sequence‑of‑returns risk: early bad markets can impact outcomes
Step‑by‑Step: Estimate Your Retirement Age
- Define target annual spending in retirement
- Compute FIRE number (spending × 25)
- Enter current invested assets
- Choose expected real return (e.g., 4–6%)
- Set monthly contribution and growth rate
- The calculator estimates years to reach your target
Examples
Example A: 20% Savings Rate
- Income: $90,000, Savings: 20% ($18,000/yr)
- Current investments: $50,000
- Real return: 5%
- Time to FIRE number ($1.2M): ~22–25 years
Example B: 35% Savings Rate
- Income: $120,000, Savings: 35% ($42,000/yr)
- Current investments: $120,000
- Real return: 5%
- Time to FIRE number ($1.6M): ~16–18 years
How to Retire Faster
- Raise savings rate with lifestyle changes and income growth
- Reduce target spending (geo‑arbitrage, housing downsizing)
- Optimize taxes with 401(k), HSA, and IRA contributions
- Invest in diversified low‑cost index funds
- Avoid lifestyle inflation; automate increases after raises
Safe Withdrawal Nuances
- Guardrails strategies adjust withdrawals with markets
- Early retirement: consider 3.5% start and glide higher
- Bridge to Social Security/penalties using brokerage funds or Roth ladder
FAQ
Q: Should I use 3%, 3.5%, or 4%?
A: Earlier retirement and higher stock/bond valuations argue for caution (3–3.5%); longer careers can support 4%.
Q: Do I need to be debt‑free first?
A: High‑interest debt first; low‑rate mortgages can be carried if you save aggressively.
Q: How often should I update my plan?
A: At least annually or after major life changes.
Related Calculators and Guides
- Retirement Savings Calculator: /calculator/retirement
- Mortgage Calculator: /calculator
- Budget 50/30/20 vs Zero‑Based: /calculator/budget
CTA: Build Your Retirement Timeline
Use the calculator to set a savings rate target and generate a one‑page action plan to hit your desired retirement age.