Below are the questions we hear most often about how the RetirementCalcPro calculator works, what its results do and don't mean, and how to use it alongside the rest of your retirement plan. If you don't see your question here, reach out on our Contact page.
How accurate is this calculator?
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The calculator uses standard compound interest math applied monthly. It is accurate to the values you enter, but real-world results will differ because actual investment returns vary year to year, taxes are not included, and fees on your accounts will reduce growth. Use the results as a planning estimate, not a guarantee.
What return rate should I use?
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The U.S. stock market has historically returned around 10% annually before inflation, or roughly 7% after accounting for 3% average inflation. A broadly diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds typically falls between 5% and 8% depending on allocation. We default to 7% as a conservative starting point for a balanced long-term portfolio.
Does this include Social Security?
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No. The calculator focuses on your personal savings and investment growth. Social Security is a separate income stream that will supplement your nest egg in retirement. To account for it, reduce your expected annual expenses in retirement by your estimated annual Social Security benefit before setting your savings target.
Can I use this for a Roth IRA?
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Yes. The calculator models portfolio growth regardless of account type. Whether your savings are in a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 401(k), or a taxable brokerage account, the compound growth math is the same. Keep in mind that taxes on withdrawals differ — Roth withdrawals are tax-free, while Traditional and 401(k) withdrawals are taxable income.
Is my data stored?
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No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. We do not transmit, store, or have access to any numbers you enter into the calculator. Your financial information stays on your device and is never sent to our servers.
How much should I be saving each month?
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There's no single right answer, since it depends on your income, when you plan to retire, and what other retirement income (like Social Security) you expect. Many financial planners point to a rough guideline of saving around 15% of gross income for retirement, including any employer match — someone starting in their 20s can often get away with less, while someone starting in their 40s or 50s typically needs a higher percentage to make up for lost time. Use the calculator to test a few different contribution amounts and see how each one changes your projected balance.
Does this calculator include my employer's 401(k) match?
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Not automatically — you need to add it yourself. If your employer matches part of your contribution, add your own contribution and the employer match together and enter the combined amount in the Monthly Contribution field. Leaving out the match will understate your projected balance, sometimes significantly, since an employer match is effectively free money that compounds right alongside your own contributions.
I'm starting late. Is it even worth using this calculator?
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Yes. Starting later means time is working against you a little more, so the contribution amount and retirement age inputs matter more than they would for someone in their 20s. The IRS also allows workers age 50 and older to make additional "catch-up" contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs beyond the standard annual limit, which is worth looking into if this applies to you. Try entering your real numbers, then test what happens if you increase your monthly contribution or push your retirement age back by a couple of years — both are realistic levers that can meaningfully close a gap.
What's the difference between "Projected Balance" and "Real Value" in my results?
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Projected Balance is your account total in future, nominal dollars — the actual number that would appear on a statement at your retirement age. Real Value takes that same total and adjusts it for the inflation rate you entered, showing what that balance would be worth in today's purchasing power. The Real Value figure is usually the more meaningful one for planning, since it shows what your future savings will actually be able to buy rather than just how large the number looks on paper.
Should I use this calculator more than once?
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Yes — treat it as a recurring check-in tool rather than a one-time answer. Your income, savings rate, and goals will change over the years, and your assumptions about investment returns and inflation may need adjusting too. Many people find it useful to re-run the numbers once a year, or any time something significant changes, like a raise, a new job, or a decision to retire earlier or later than originally planned.