Results
Yearly projection
| Year | Age | Annual contributions | Investment growth | Year-end balance | Real balance (inflation-adjusted) |
|---|
FAQ
How should I choose the expected return and inflation rate?
Start with conservative values based on long-term averages or your asset mix. Then run optimistic and pessimistic cases to see a range.
What does the inflation rate do in this calculator?
Inflation lowers buying power over time. We estimate today's-money value by dividing projected balance by (1 + inflation rate)years.
Can I change monthly contributions later?
Absolutely. Adjust the contribution amount and recalculate to compare different saving paths.
Does this guarantee my retirement balance?
No. Markets and inflation change over time. Treat the output as a planning estimate, not a guarantee.
Which retirement assumption should I set first?
Start with current savings, monthly contribution, years until retirement, and expected return. Add inflation next so the projected balance can be read in both future dollars and today's purchasing power.
Retirement projection notes
Separate return and inflation
Expected return estimates portfolio growth. Inflation estimates purchasing-power erosion. Keeping them separate makes it easier to compare future balance with today's-money value.
Use ranges, not one forecast
Run conservative, baseline, and optimistic cases. Long horizons are sensitive to return, inflation, contribution changes, and retirement timing.
Contribution timing
Monthly contributions are modeled as recurring additions. If you expect step-ups, windfalls, employer match changes, or withdrawals, create separate scenarios rather than folding everything into one average.
Common mistakes
Do not treat a projected balance as guaranteed. Market returns, taxes, fees, healthcare costs, withdrawal rate, and retirement age can all change the real outcome.
Before using the result
Use this calculator for planning context, then compare the result with a budget, withdrawal-rate estimate, and qualified financial advice when decisions are high stakes.