Retirement Calculator

Introduction

Planning retirement is about turning today’s contributions into tomorrow’s security. This calculator projects future value from your current balance and monthly contributions at a chosen annual return, with an optional inflation lens. It provides an accessible, scenario-driven view of how savings can grow over time, encouraging consistent habits and realistic expectations.

By making compounding visible, it shows why starting early and contributing regularly matter so much. Small monthly amounts add up; steady returns compound into significant balances. Seeing this trajectory builds motivation and guides decisions on contribution levels and investment approaches.

Why This Tool Is Useful

Retirement planning can feel abstract. Concrete projections demystify the process and help you set achievable targets. They also highlight sensitivity: changes in return rate, contribution, or start date can dramatically alter outcomes. With an inflation-adjusted view, you can translate nominal totals into real purchasing power, improving long-term planning.

Because the calculation runs in your browser, iterations are private and fast. You can explore conservative and optimistic scenarios to bracket expectations and choose a path you can sustain through market cycles.

Key Features

Compounds a starting balance with monthly additions at a selected annual return. Displays both nominal and inflation-adjusted results when provided. Encourages scenario testing with clear inputs and readable outputs suitable for personal planning and family discussions.

How to Use

1. Enter your current savings balance.
2. Enter a monthly contribution you plan to make.
3. Set the annual return rate and number of years.
4. Optionally set an inflation rate to view real terms.
5. Click Calculate to see future and inflation-adjusted values; adjust inputs to align with goals.