Scenario simulator

Compare today's savings with a hypothetical retirement goal

Move both sliders to see an estimated gap or surplus at age 65. A gap is a signal to consider further planning, not a crisis.

$250,000
$55,000
Hypothetical balance at 65
$861,720
Estimated gap at 65
$513,280
See planning next steps

This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. It is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. We do not store or transmit your inputs. All calculations happen in your browser.

Cumulative savings at age 65

The teal block is your hypothetical projected balance and the amber band is the shortfall against your goal. All projections are hypothetical and not guarantees of future results. Assumes 20 years to age 65, 5% annual growth, $500 saved monthly, and a 4% withdrawal rate for the goal.
A couple comparing printed retirement account statements at a kitchen table with an open laptop beside them

Assumptions

Methodology & assumptions

The scenario planner compares what you are on track to save against a retirement income goal you set yourself. Every figure comes from the inputs you enter plus the assumptions listed here, applied the same way to each scenario so the columns stay comparable.

How the projection is built

Your current balance grows at a fixed annual real return. New contributions are added monthly and compounded on the same schedule. The income goal is converted into a required balance using a withdrawal rate you can adjust, then discounted back to today. The difference between the projected balance and the required balance is the gap shown in amber, or the surplus shown in teal.

What the model leaves out

Federal and state taxes, Social Security claiming timing, pension rules, healthcare premiums, and long-term care costs sit outside the projection. A gap is a signal to consider further planning, not a crisis. All projections are hypothetical and not guarantees of future results.

This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. We do not store or transmit your inputs. All calculations happen in your browser.

This tool is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, IRS, or any government agency.

Sample comparisons

Three ways the same starting point can play out

Illustrative outcomes at age 65 for one household profile. Figures are rounded and assume a 4% annual drawdown.
Metric Current path Save +$500/mo Retire 2 years later
Years of contributions 22 22 24
Extra monthly savings $0 $500 $0
Projected balance at 65 $312,400 $596,800 $427,900
Estimated monthly income at 65 $1,040 $1,990 $1,426
Monthly gap vs $4,335 target -$3,295 -$2,345 -$2,909

Planning next steps

Turn a scenario into a working plan

A gap is a signal to consider further planning, not a crisis. Work through the steps below in order, keep your numbers, and review them once a year.

  1. Re-run the simulator with one change at a time

    Change a single input, contribution or retirement age, and watch how the projected balance moves.

    Open the scenario simulator
  2. Write down every assumption you used

    Return rate, inflation, retirement age, and income target. Notes are easier to review than memory.

    Read the methodology steps
  3. Compare your numbers with the sample scenarios

    See how a current path, a larger monthly contribution, and a later retirement date differ in balance and monthly income.

    View sample comparisons
  4. Set one contribution target and a review date

    Pick an amount you can hold for twelve months and a month each year to revisit it.

    See planning tips
  5. Bring your scenario notes to a licensed professional

    A planner or tax professional can work through the assumptions your scenario left open.

    Send us your questions

FAQ

Questions about the retirement savings gap planner

No. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. It shows arithmetic on the numbers you enter and nothing more.

Get In Touch

Questions about your savings gap scenario?

Send us a note about the assumptions behind the calculator, or how a hypothetical retirement goal compares with your current savings.

Office
2789 Oakwood Avenue, Suite 305, San Francisco, CA 94107

We do not store or transmit your inputs. All calculations happen in your browser. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. It is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, IRS, or any government agency.