Is this the 4% rule?+
It is the same family of idea, but here you choose the withdrawal and the return explicitly and read the years back. The 4% guideline bakes in assumptions this page makes you state.
Why is a flat return optimistic?+
Because real returns arrive in an order. A poor first few years, while you are also withdrawing, permanently shrinks the base that later growth compounds on. This is called sequence risk and a flat average hides it.
Does the withdrawal keep pace with inflation?+
No. It stays flat in nominal dollars, so the real spending it supports falls every year. To approximate inflation, subtract your expected inflation rate from the return you enter.
Should I subtract Social Security or a pension?+
Yes. Enter only the gap your portfolio has to cover, which is your spending minus any guaranteed income.
How long will my retirement savings last?+
It depends on the withdrawal rate and the returns you actually get. At a 4% withdrawal with average returns, a balanced portfolio has historically lasted 30 years in most scenarios, and this calculator lets you test your own numbers.
How much do I need to retire at 60?+
Work backwards from annual spending. At a 4% withdrawal rate, multiply annual spending by 25; spending $60,000 a year suggests about $1.5 million before counting other income like Social Security.
What is a safe withdrawal rate in retirement?+
Many planners use 3 to 4% of the starting balance as a conservative range. A lower rate raises the odds your money lasts 30 years, and flexible spending helps more than any single rate.
Are these numbers financial advice?+
No. They are educational estimates based on the inputs and assumptions on this page. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and your own documents.