How Long Will My Retirement Money Last?
Test whether your savings will last given yearly withdrawals, returns and inflation.
The 4% guideline
A first-year withdrawal of about 4% of your pot, adjusted for inflation each year, has historically lasted 30 years in US data. Starting higher or retiring earlier raises the risk of running out.
Using this tool
We withdraw at the start of each year, grow the rest by your return and raise withdrawals with inflation. Real markets are uneven, so treat results as a planning guide and leave a safety margin.
Worked example
Last reviewed November 2026. Formulas are standard and shown in the sections above; results are estimates.
Tips and common mistakes
- Be flexible, trimming withdrawals after bad years helps a lot.
- Include pensions and other income before drawing down.
- Plan for 30+ years.
Frequently asked questions
Is 4% safe?
It is a guideline, not a guarantee.
What return should I use?
A mix of stocks and bonds might average 4-6% before inflation. Be cautious.
Does it include tax?
No.
Money guides for this topic
All guides →Investing for Beginners: A Simple Plan with the Numbers
A plain-English starter plan for investing: low-cost index funds, regular contributions and why fees matter.
Read guide →Compound Interest Explained (and Why Starting Early Wins)
How compound interest works, the rule of 72, and a simple example showing why time matters most.
Read guide →How to Save Money: 10 Practical Ways with Real Numbers
Ten proven ways to save money, each with the math showing how much you can keep every year.
Read guide →Related calculators
Retirement Savings Calculator
Estimate your retirement pot and the yearly income it could support using the 4% rule.
Open calculator →FIRE Number Calculator
Find how much you need to retire early (FIRE) and how many years it will take.
Open calculator →Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator
Compare Roth and Traditional retirement accounts after tax, based on your tax rate now and in retirement.
Open calculator →Results are estimates and not financial advice.