How much can I safely withdraw?

The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one, adjusted for inflation thereafter, with a high chance of lasting 30 years. More conservative retirees use 3%–3.5%.

What counts as guaranteed income?

Social Security, pensions, and annuities are guaranteed/again predictable streams. Portfolio withdrawals depend on market returns and are not guaranteed.

What if income does not cover expenses?

A shortfall means you may need to spend down principal faster, work longer, reduce expenses, or delay Social Security to raise guaranteed income.

Is this before or after tax?

Figures are pre-tax. Traditional account withdrawals and most pension/Social Security income may be taxable — plan accordingly.

How long will my money last?

Use the Money Longevity Calculator to project depletion based on returns, inflation, and withdrawals.

Retirement Income Calculator

Combine Social Security, retirement accounts, and other income to see your monthly cash flow versus expenses.

Your income & expenses

Social Security / mo

Pension / mo

Other monthly income

401(k) + IRA balance

Withdrawal rate

Monthly expenses

Projected monthly income

: / month

Income vs. expenses

Income covers of your expenses.

Guaranteed income

From portfolio

How to Use

1
Add guaranteed income. Enter your monthly Social Security and any pension or other income.
2
Add account balances. Enter your combined 401(k) and IRA balances.
3
Set withdrawal rate. Choose the annual withdrawal rate (4% is a common default).
4
Compare to expenses. See whether your projected income covers your monthly spending.

Calculation Method

Monthly portfolio income applies a constant withdrawal rate to your account balance; total income adds guaranteed sources:

income = SS + pension + other + (balance × wr% ÷ 12)

The result is compared to your monthly expenses to show a surplus or shortfall. The default 4% withdrawal rate comes from the Trinity/Bengen research; more conservative plans use 3%–3.5%.

Examples

Example. $2,000 Social Security + a $600,000 portfolio at 4% ($2,000/month) = $4,000/month income. Against $4,500 of expenses that is a $500 monthly shortfall to close.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Money Longevity Calculator

Find out how long your savings will last given spending, returns, and inflation.

Disclaimer: Calculations are projections based on the assumptions you provide and are for informational purposes only. They are not financial, tax, or investment advice. Investment returns are not guaranteed. Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) before making retirement decisions.

Data source: Constant-percentage withdrawal method. 4% rule (Bengen / Trinity study) as default.