Retirement Calculator — Will You Have Enough? (FIRE Number)
The single most important money question: will my savings last? This calculator projects your retirement pot from what you have now plus monthly contributions, compares it to your target (the "FIRE number"), and shows the safe yearly income it can provide using the 4% rule. Works in any currency.
A projection, not a promise — real returns vary and inflation erodes future money. Revisit yearly.
How to use this tool
- Enter your age now and the age you'd like to retire.
- Add what you've already saved and what you invest each month.
- Set a realistic return (many use 5–7% for a diversified portfolio, after fees).
- Enter the yearly income you'll want — the tool shows your FIRE number and whether you'll hit it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 4% rule?
A widely-cited guideline from the Trinity Study: you can withdraw about 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation, with a high chance the money lasts 30 years. So your target pot is roughly 25× your desired yearly spending. Some now prefer 3.5% for longer or earlier retirements.
What is a FIRE number?
FIRE = Financial Independence, Retire Early. Your "FIRE number" is the pot size at which investment income covers your living costs, so working becomes optional. At the 4% rule it's 25× annual expenses — e.g. $40,000/year needs $1,000,000.
Should I use real or nominal returns?
For a quick check, use nominal returns (e.g. 7%) and a nominal income goal. For an inflation-honest view, use a real return (nominal minus inflation, e.g. 7% − 3% = 4%) and today's spending — then the result is already in today's money.
Does this include state pension or social security?
No — it projects your personal investments only. Any state pension, social security or company pension is on top, and reduces the private pot you need. Subtract expected state income from your yearly goal for a more precise target.
What return assumption is safe?
Nobody knows the future. Historically, global stocks returned ~7–10% nominal over long periods, but with brutal down years. Being conservative (5–6%) and revisiting yearly beats optimistic single-shot projections. This is general information, not financial advice.