Using the Retirement Calculator
Compare several saving periods and contributions before focusing on the withdrawal figure. The same savings balance can support very different spending plans depending on retirement length, market returns and other income.
Worked example
Use the example inputs below to reproduce this result. These are the form's starting values, not recommended targets. Changing your inputs updates your result above; this worked example stays fixed for comparison. Results are rounded for display.
Example inputs
- Starting balance
- 10000
- Monthly contribution
- 200
- Annual nominal return (%)
- 5
- Years
- 10
- Annual withdrawal assumption (%)
- 4
Example result
- Future balance
- 47,526.55
- Total contributions
- 34,000
- Growth
- 13,526.55
- Initial annual withdrawal
- 1,901.06
- Initial monthly withdrawal
- 158.42
Method and assumptions
Constant monthly growth and contributions. Withdrawal percentage is your scenario assumption, not a guarantee that funds will last.
Use consistent assumptions over time
A retirement projection depends on when contributions or withdrawals happen, the rate used and the number of periods. Keep those assumptions visible when comparing scenarios. An amount expressed in future currency is not automatically equivalent to the same amount of purchasing power today. Tax treatment and account rules should be checked separately wherever the model does not include them.
Common question
Is the monthly withdrawal a guaranteed pension?
No. It is one-twelfth of your selected first-year withdrawal amount. A pension or insured lifetime annuity has terms and risks this projection does not model.
Guide updated .