How much you need saved to retire at 60
Spending, State pension and the rule of 25, worked out on three profiles.
Retirement planning · 4% rule · FIRE
How far is your number?
Work out the nest egg you actually need, whether you're on track to hit it, and how fast an early-retirement (FIRE) plan could get you there.
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Projected savings at retirement
—Savings you need (4% rule)
—Gap or surplus
—You save each year
Savings growth to retirement age
Where the numbers come from
Estimates are illustrative — actual returns, inflation and Social Security vary. Not financial advice.
The rule of thumb
Your number is spending × 25
The 4% rule says you can withdraw about 4% of your portfolio each year and expect it to last roughly 30 years. Flip it around: to fund $50,000 a year you need about $1.25 million saved. FIRE fans just shrink the year.
- Project savings with your current income and rate.
- Compare against the 4% rule target.
- Add Social Security to see the gap shrink.
- Switch FIRE to find your true independence age.
Retirement questions
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule holds that withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one, then adjusting for inflation, historically kept a diversified portfolio from running out over roughly 30 years. Many planners use 3% for longer or more cautious horizons.
How much do I need to retire at 65?
Multiply your annual retirement spending by 25 (the inverse of 4%). Expenses of $50,000 a year call for about $1.25 million, minus whatever Social Security and pensions will cover.
What does FIRE stand for?
Financial Independence, Retire Early. The goal is to grow savings until annual withdrawals from your nest egg cover your living costs — funded by a high savings rate that shortens the working years needed.
Should I include Social Security in my estimate?
Yes if you expect to be eligible — it replaces part of your spending and shrinks the savings gap. Count it conservatively and only from the age you plan to claim it.