How Long Will My Money Last in Retirement?
Stop guessing. Get a visual, year-by-year projection showing exactly when you might run out - or how much you'll have left.
Calculate Your Retirement Timeline - Free
See your exact retirement timeline - not just a number, but a complete visual projection
The #1 Fear: Running Out of Money
More than market crashes, more than health issues - the biggest retirement fear is outliving your savings.
Traditional retirement calculators give you a yes/no answer or a single number. But retirement isn't static - it's 20-30+ years of changing expenses, income sources, and financial decisions.
You need to see year by year what happens to your money. That's the only way to plan with confidence.
What Determines How Long Your Money Lasts?
1. Withdrawal Rate (Most Important)
Withdrawing 3% per year means your money lasts much longer than withdrawing 6%. But what's YOUR rate?
Example: $500k in savings, spending $30k/year = 6% withdrawal rate
• With 5% investment returns, your money runs out in ~23 years
• Reduce spending to $20k/year (4% rate)? Your money lasts 35+ years
2. When You Start Social Security
Every year you delay Social Security (up to age 70) increases your benefit by about 8%. This reduces how much you need to withdraw from savings.
Example: Claiming at 62 gives you $1,800/month. Delaying to 70 gives you $3,168/month.
That extra $1,368/month ($16,416/year) means much less pressure on your savings.Model Social Security timing →
3. Investment Returns During Retirement
If your investments grow faster than you withdraw, your money can last indefinitely. If they grow slower (or lose value), you run out faster.
Our calculator helps you test different return assumptions so you're not overly optimistic or pessimistic.
4. How Your Spending Changes Over Time
Most retirees don't spend the same amount every year. They spend more in their 60s ("go-go years"), moderate in their 70s ("slow-go years"), and less in their 80s+ ("no-go years").
Modeling realistic spending patterns - not flat-line expenses - gives you a much more accurate picture of how long your money lasts.
5. Major Financial Events
Selling your house at 75 and downsizing? That injects cash and extends your timeline. Helping kids with a house down payment? That accelerates when you run out. Model these events to see their real impact.
Real Scenarios: How Long Does Money Last?
⚠️ Scenario 1: Running Out at 78
Situation: $400k saved, retire at 62, claim Social Security at 62, spend $50k/year
Result: Money runs out at age 78. You're relying 100% on Social Security after that.
Fix: Work 2 more years OR reduce spending to $42k/year OR delay Social Security to 67. Any of these extends your timeline past 90.
✅ Scenario 2: Safe Until 95
Situation: $600k saved, retire at 65, claim Social Security at 70, spend $45k/year
Result: Money lasts until age 95, with $150k still remaining.
Opportunity: You could increase spending by $5-10k/year in your 60s-70s and still be safe.
🎯 Scenario 3: Growing Your Nest Egg
Situation: $800k saved, retire at 67, claim Social Security at 70, pension of $1,500/month, spend $50k/year
Result: Your savings actually GROW in retirement because your income exceeds expenses.
Opportunity: You could spend significantly more, help kids financially, or leave a larger legacy.
💡 Scenario 4: The House Sale Game-Changer
Situation: $350k saved, retire at 64, money projected to run out at 76. BUT: Plan to sell house at 72 and downsize, netting $250k.
Result: That house sale pushes your timeline from 76 to 90+. Having this plan in your back pocket provides huge peace of mind.
How Our Calculator Shows How Long Your Money Lasts
Year-by-year projection chart - See your account balance from today through age 95+. Watch it grow, plateau, or decline.
Clear "out of money" indicator - If you're projected to run out, you'll see exactly when, so you can adjust your plan now.
Test "what if" scenarios instantly - What if I work one more year? Reduce spending by 10%? Delay Social Security to 68? See the impact immediately.
Model age-based spending - Set higher spending in your 60s-70s when you're active, lower spending later. More realistic than flat projections.
Include one-time events - Selling house, helping kids, buying RV - see how these events affect your overall timeline.
Completely private and secure - Your financial data stays encrypted and is never shared.
Common Questions About Retirement Money Longevity
What's the 4% rule and should I use it?
The 4% rule says you can withdraw 4% of your initial retirement savings each year (adjusted for inflation) and your money should last 30 years. It's a good starting point, but YOUR optimal withdrawal rate depends on your age, other income sources, spending flexibility, and risk tolerance. Our calculator shows you what happens at different withdrawal rates for your specific situation.
What if I need to withdraw more some years and less in others?
That's realistic! You might spend more in your early retirement years on travel, then less in your 80s. Or have one-time expenses like helping kids or medical events. Our calculator lets you model variable spending by age and add specific financial events to see how they impact your overall timeline.
Should I plan for my money to last until 90? 95? 100?
If you're in good health, planning to age 95 is prudent. The calculator shows projections through age 100+ so you can see your cushion. Remember: it's better to plan conservatively and have money left over than to run out.
What if the calculator shows I'll run out of money?
Don't panic - you have options: (1) Work 1-3 more years before retiring, (2) Reduce spending by 10-20%, (3) Delay claiming Social Security to increase benefits, (4) Plan to work part-time in early retirement, (5) Consider downsizing your home. Test each option in the calculator to find what works for you.
How accurate are retirement calculators?
No calculator can predict the future perfectly - investment returns, inflation, and life events vary. But a good calculator helps you test multiple scenarios and understand the variables that matter most. The goal isn't precision, it's confidence that you have a solid plan with room for error.Learn more about retirement readiness →
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