Knowing how long your savings will last helps you plan a sustainable withdrawal strategy in retirement. This calculator projects how many years and months your nest egg lasts with fixed monthly withdrawals and investment returns.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your total retirement savings balance.
- Enter how much you plan to withdraw each month.
- Enter your expected average annual return on remaining investments.
- Review how many years and months your funds are projected to last.
Formula
The calculator simulates monthly investment returns and fixed withdrawals until the balance reaches zero. If withdrawals do not exceed portfolio growth, funds may last indefinitely. If withdrawals exceed returns consistently, funds deplete faster.
Example
With $500,000 saved, withdrawing $2,000 per month at a 5% annual return may last about 28 years, or roughly 336 months.
Frequently asked questions
- What if withdrawals are lower than investment returns?
- When monthly withdrawals are less than or equal to portfolio growth, the balance may not deplete. The calculator will show that funds may last indefinitely.
- What if my withdrawal rate is too high?
- If monthly withdrawals exceed what investment returns can support, your balance shrinks and funds run out sooner. Consider lowering withdrawals or delaying retirement.
- Does this adjust withdrawals for inflation?
- No. This calculator assumes a fixed monthly withdrawal amount. Real-world plans often increase withdrawals with inflation.