Retirement
How Long Will My Savings Last?
Retirement isn't just how much you've saved — it's how long it lasts. Enter your balance, monthly withdrawal, and expected return to see when the money runs out, or whether your returns cover the withdrawals and it lasts indefinitely.
Retirement portfolios often assume a conservative 4–6%.
Your savings last
35 years 11 months
Until the balance reaches zero at this withdrawal rate.
- Annual withdrawal
- $30,000
- First-year investment return
- $25,000
- Total withdrawn
- $1,077,500
What the balance earns in year one — compare it to your withdrawals.
Balance over time
| Year | Balance |
|---|---|
| 0 | $500,000 |
| 1 | $494,884 |
| 2 | $489,506 |
| 3 | $483,853 |
| 4 | $477,910 |
| 5 | $471,664 |
| 6 | $465,098 |
| 7 | $458,196 |
| 8 | $450,941 |
| 9 | $443,315 |
| 10 | $435,299 |
| 11 | $426,873 |
| 12 | $418,015 |
| 13 | $408,704 |
| 14 | $398,917 |
| 15 | $388,630 |
| 16 | $377,816 |
| 17 | $366,448 |
| 18 | $354,499 |
| 19 | $341,939 |
| 20 | $328,736 |
| 21 | $314,858 |
| 22 | $300,269 |
| 23 | $284,934 |
| 24 | $268,815 |
| 25 | $251,871 |
| 26 | $234,060 |
| 27 | $215,338 |
| 28 | $195,658 |
| 29 | $174,971 |
| 30 | $153,226 |
| 31 | $130,368 |
| 32 | $106,340 |
| 33 | $81,084 |
| 34 | $54,535 |
| 35 | $26,628 |
| 35.9 | $0 |
How this calculator works
Each month the balance earns your return (annual rate ÷ 12), then the withdrawal is subtracted, until it reaches zero. If the monthly return exceeds the withdrawal, the balance never depletes and we report it as lasting indefinitely (capped at 60 years for the chart).
The model excludes inflation, taxes, sequence-of-returns risk, and market volatility — real returns vary year to year. Treat it as an educational projection and stress-test it at a lower return.
Try an example
Frequently asked questions
How long will my retirement savings last?
It depends on your balance, how much you withdraw, and what the money earns. If your withdrawals are smaller than your investment returns, the balance never runs out. Once withdrawals exceed returns, the balance shrinks — this calculator shows exactly when it hits zero.
What is a safe withdrawal rate?
The classic guideline is the 4% rule: withdrawing about 4% of your starting balance a year (adjusted for inflation) has historically lasted 30 years in most markets. On $500,000 that's roughly $1,667 a month. Withdrawing much more risks running out early.
Does this account for inflation and taxes?
No — it uses a fixed monthly withdrawal in today's dollars and doesn't model taxes or market swings. To be conservative, use a lower return (say 4%) and remember that rising costs mean you may need to withdraw more over time. It's a planning estimate, not a guarantee.
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Disclaimer: DayCents provides this calculator for educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on your inputs and the stated assumptions — they are not financial advice, a quote, or an offer of credit. Consult a qualified financial professional before making major money decisions.