Tool 1 of 4

Retirement Readiness

Are you on track? Adjust the inputs and watch the projection move. The chart shows three return scenarios on the same axes so you can see the cushion — or the gap.

Your situation

Current age 35

Retirement age 65

Current retirement savings $50,000

Annual household income $100,000

Savings rate (% of income) 15%

Includes employer 401(k) match if applicable.

Assumptions

Inflation 2.5%

Soc. Security $24,000

Pension income (annual, optional) $0

Retirement target

Replace this % of pre-retirement income 75%

Industry rule of thumb: 70–85% of pre-retirement income.

Sustainable withdrawal rate uses 3.8% per Morningstar’s 2024 update to the historical 4% rule. Returns are real (inflation-adjusted): expected 6%, optimistic 7%, pessimistic 4%.

On track

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Projected at retirement

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expected return scenario

Sustainable income

—

withdrawals + SS + pension

Income target

—

in today's dollars

Projected savings over time

All values in today's dollars (real). Target line is 25× desired annual withdrawal.

Optimistic 7% Expected 6% Pessimistic 4% Target

Three ways to close the gap

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Note for Shaun & Nora The math here is honest, not optimistic. We use real (inflation-adjusted) returns rather than nominal so the chart speaks in today's dollars. The 3.8% sustainable withdrawal rate is from Morningstar's 2024 update to Bengen's original 4% rule, accounting for the lower forward-looking bond yields and CAPE-elevated equity markets. If your house assumption differs, change the constant in SWR at the top of the script tag.