How to Plan for Retirement Savings
Retirement planning is about letting compound interest work over the longest possible time horizon. The earlier you start contributing, the more time your money has to grow. Small regular contributions to a tax-advantaged account, invested consistently over decades, can grow to a substantial retirement fund even without large individual contributions.
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Formula
Retirement Savings Calculator
Estimate your retirement savings based on monthly contributions and investment growth.
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FAQs
How much should I save for retirement?
A common guideline is to save 15% of your pre-tax income for retirement, starting in your 20s. The earlier you start, the less you need to save each month due to compound growth. A 25-year-old saving $300/month at 7% accumulates significantly more than a 35-year-old saving $600/month.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule suggests you can withdraw 4% of your retirement portfolio in the first year, then adjust for inflation each year, with a high probability of the money lasting 30 years. To find your required nest egg, multiply your annual expenses by 25.
How does inflation affect retirement savings?
The real value of your savings is what matters. If investments grow at 7% but inflation is 3%, your real return is about 4%. Always consider whether your savings will maintain purchasing power over a retirement that may last 30+ years.