How long will my money last?
Enter your savings and what you take out each month to see how many years the money lasts, and the withdrawal that never runs out.
$3,000 a month from $500,000 lasts
The money runs out after 16 yr 3 mo. To make it last forever at a 1.9% real return, withdraw about $802 a month.
Uses a steady return after inflation, so figures are in today's dollars. Real markets vary year to year; for a history-based answer, try the safe withdrawal rate calculator.
How this calculator works
Enter your savings, what you take out each month in today's dollars, and the return and inflation you expect.
Each month the balance earns the return after inflation and pays the withdrawal. The calculator counts the months until it reaches zero.
It also shows the most you could take out each month without ever running out, using only growth.
Each month: balance = balance × (1 + real return) − withdrawalCommon questions
How long will $500,000 last in retirement?
Taking $3,000 a month with a 5% return and 3% inflation, about 16 years. At $2,000 a month it lasts about 27 years.
How long will $1 million last?
At $4,000 a month with the same assumptions, about 27 years. At $3,000 a month, about 40 years.
Why does inflation matter so much?
Your withdrawal has to rise every year to buy the same things. A 3% inflation rate doubles prices in about 24 years.
What return should I use?
A mix of stocks and bonds has historically returned around 5% to 7% a year before inflation. Use a lower number if your money is mostly in cash or bonds.
FatDCA calculators are educational estimates, not investment, tax or legal advice. Results depend on the assumptions you enter, and past returns do not predict future returns.
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