How much do I need to retire comfortably?

The general rule is 10–12× your final salary, or 25× your annual retirement expenses (the 4% rule). On $80,000/year in retirement, you need $2 million. Social Security typically covers 30–40% of pre-retirement income, so your portfolio needs to cover the rest.

What is the 2026 401(k) contribution limit?

The 2026 401(k) contribution limit is $23,500 per year ($31,000 for those 50 and over). IRA contribution limit is $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+). Maxing both gives you $30,500/year in tax-advantaged retirement savings.

Should I prioritize 401(k) or IRA?

First, contribute to 401(k) up to the employer match — that is a 50–100% instant return. Then max an IRA (Roth if eligible). Then go back and max the 401(k). This order captures the free money first while getting better investment options from an IRA.

Does using the Retirement Calculator — How Much Do You Need to Retire? affect my credit score?

No. Using a calculator does not trigger a credit check. A credit impact can occur only if you apply directly with a lender, card issuer, or provider.

Are the results personalized financial advice?

No. Calculator outputs are educational estimates based on the inputs you enter. Review assumptions and confirm terms directly with providers before making a financial decision.

What should I do after seeing the result?

Use the recommendation module on this page to explore ira options, or run Money Map to compare this investing & retirement decision with your other opportunities.

How does SwitchWize choose related offers?

Related offers are matched by the calculator surface (ira) and ranked using SwitchWize data such as rate, fees, trust signals, product fit, and switching friction. Paid relationships do not change organic ranking order.

How fresh are the rates and offers shown?

Rate and offer data is reviewed on a recurring cadence and every offer module shows review context or links to the methodology and disclosure pages.

Where can I see the ranking methodology?

The SwitchWize methodology page explains how rate freshness, editorial review, affiliate disclosure, and category ranking factors work.

Can Money Map use this result?

Yes. Money Map is the broader diagnostic path: it compares savings, mortgage, cards, and debt so you can see whether this calculator result is your highest-impact next move.

Retirement Calculator — How Much Do You Need to Retire?

Calculate exactly how much you need to retire comfortably — and whether your savings are on track. See your projected balance vs retirement target at any age.

Your Retirement Number

$960,000

Your Retirement Number

$960,000

Annual Social Security Income

$21,600

Income Needed from Portfolio

$38,400

Gap to Reach

$875,000

Annual Social Security Income: $21,600Income Needed from Portfolio: $38,400Your Retirement Number: $960,000Gap to Reach: $875,000

Estimated Years to Goal

22.3 yr

To Reach Goal in 10 Years (monthly)

$5,055

Diagnostic

To hit your goal, you need to plan around $960,000.

Lock this number into your Money Map and we'll track progress.

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What to do next

Gap to close: $875,000. At your current pace: ~22.3 years. To get there in 10 years, you need $5,055/month.

This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.

Coach Insight

Most Americans are saving for retirement without knowing their target. You cannot know if you're on track without a destination. This calculator gives you that number — specific to your income, spending, and timeline.

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Retirement Savings: Build a Plan That Actually LastsA complete guide to retirement savings 2026 covering how much to save, which accounts to use, catch-up strategies for late starters, and tax-smart withdrawals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

Why This Matters

How to Use It

1Enter your current age and target retirement age
2Enter current retirement savings balance
3Set your annual contribution and expected return
4See your projected balance and whether it covers your retirement needs

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