Retirement Calculator

Enter your numbers to see when you can retire — with real tax math, not estimates.

How this works: Enter your portfolio, savings rate, and target expenses to see when you can retire. The calculator uses real 2026 tax brackets, long-term capital gains rates, and inflation-adjusted S&P returns. Your cash buffer is rated against research-backed thresholds for sequence-of-returns protection.

Under 1 yr

Too thin — vulnerable to forced selling

1–2 yrs

Minimum viable — covers short corrections

2–2.5 yrs

Solid — handles most recessions

2.5 yrs ★

Research-backed ideal

Portfolio balances

Brokerage / S&P ($)

Cash / money market ($)

401k balance ($)

Your situation

Current age

Monthly savings ($)

Annual expenses ($)

State tax situation

Safe withdrawal rate

Annual health insurance ($)

Expected real return (%)

earliest retirement age

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target portfolio

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monthly spendable

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401k at 59½

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Gross withdrawal

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per year

Total tax burden

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fed + state

Passive dividends

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1.4% S&P yield

Annual income breakdown at retirement

Gross withdrawal (—% of portfolio)—

Federal LTCG tax—

State tax—

Health insurance—

Net spendable—

Brokerage growth toward target

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The withdrawal rate accounts for inflation — withdrawals increase each year with CPI. Your target is in today's dollars.

The 401k is not counted in the retirement calculation — it's a backstop that becomes accessible at 59½ or via a Roth conversion ladder.

Portable prompt — paste into any AI

This prompt includes all your numbers and the full methodology. Paste it into ChatGPT, Gemini, or any other AI for a second opinion.

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Not financial advice. Consult a fee-only fiduciary CFP for personalized guidance. Tax figures use 2026 brackets.