# Retirement Calculator Two-phase retirement model: an accumulation phase (current age to retirement, with monthly contributions and compound growth) and a withdrawal phase (retirement to life expectancy, nest egg grows at a conservative rate while inflation-adjusted withdrawals are taken out). Reports whether the nest egg lasts, real purchasing power, and any shortfall. > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/retirement-calculator - **Category:** Finance - **Keywords:** retirement, retirement planning, nest egg, withdrawal, accumulation, 401k, pension, finance, inflation ## Overview Plan your financial future with our Retirement Calculator, a two-phase model designed to project your nest egg's growth and sustainability. By simulating an accumulation phase with monthly contributions and compound growth, followed by a withdrawal phase with inflation-adjusted payouts, this tool calculates whether your savings will last through your life expectancy and highlights any potential shortfalls. ## Inputs - **Current Age** (number): e.g. 30 - **Retirement Age** (number): e.g. 65 - **Current Savings** (number): e.g. 50000 - **Monthly Contribution** (number): e.g. 1000 - **Pre-Retirement Return (%)** (number): e.g. 7 - **Inflation Rate (%)** (number): e.g. 3 - **Life Expectancy** (number): e.g. 90 - **Monthly Withdrawal** (number): e.g. 3000 - **Post-Retirement Return (%)** (number): e.g. 4 - **Decimal Places** (number) ## When to use - When estimating if your current savings rate and monthly contributions will build a sufficient nest egg by your target retirement age. - When planning post-retirement withdrawals to see how long your funds will last under different inflation and investment return scenarios. - When comparing how adjusting variables like retirement age, contribution amounts, or expected returns impacts your long-term financial security. ## How it works - Enter your current age, target retirement age, life expectancy, and current savings balance. - Input your monthly contributions and expected investment return rate for the pre-retirement accumulation phase. - Specify your desired monthly withdrawal amount, expected post-retirement return rate, and the estimated inflation rate. - Run the calculator to generate a detailed report showing your nominal nest egg size, inflation-adjusted purchasing power, and whether your funds will sustain you through your life expectancy. ## Use cases - Projecting the future value of a 401(k) or pension plan based on regular monthly contributions and compound interest. - Testing retirement scenarios to determine the optimal age to retire without running out of money. - Calculating the impact of high inflation on the purchasing power of fixed retirement withdrawals. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the calculator account for inflation? It adjusts your post-retirement monthly withdrawals upward each year based on the specified inflation rate to maintain real purchasing power. ### What is the difference between pre-retirement and post-retirement return rates? Pre-retirement return applies to the accumulation phase when you are actively saving, while post-retirement return applies to the withdrawal phase, which typically uses a more conservative investment strategy. ### What happens if my nest egg runs out before my life expectancy? The calculator will report the exact age at which your savings are depleted and calculate the total financial shortfall. ### Can I set different inflation rates for the accumulation and withdrawal phases? No, the calculator applies a single, consistent inflation rate across both phases to project real purchasing power. ### What does the decimal places option do? 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