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    Retirement Calculators

    Are you on track? Free tools say yes/no.

    Empower (Personal Capital)

    FREE

    Connects to all your accounts. Real-time net worth, retirement projection. The best free tool, period.

    Best overall.

    Boldin (NewRetirement)

    FREE / $120/year Premium

    Most detailed retirement modeling. Tax planning, Roth conversion, Social Security strategy.

    Best for serious planners.

    Fidelity Retirement Score

    FREE

    Quick check — am I on track? Color-coded scoring. Don't need a Fidelity account.

    Best 5-minute check.

    Vanguard Retirement Income Calculator

    FREE

    Simple, conservative projections. Best aligned with Vanguard's "stay the course" philosophy.

    Best simple.

    Social Security Quick Calculator

    FREE

    Official SSA estimator. Plug in earnings → see monthly benefit at age 62, 67, 70.

    Best for SS estimate.

    Bogleheads Forum + Wiki

    FREE

    Not a calculator — a community. Free advice from retired financial pros.

    Best for free advice.

    Rule-of-thumb numbers

    • 4% rule — withdraw 4% of nest egg yearly. Lasts 30+ years (most cases). $1M = $40,000/year.
    • 25× expenses — multiply yearly spending by 25. $50K/year × 25 = $1.25M nest egg target.
    • Social Security — average benefit $1,975/month (2025). Wait until 67-70 for higher.
    • Healthcare in retirement — Fidelity estimates $165,000 per couple lifetime (over Medicare).

    Numbers to gather

    • Total saved (401k + IRA + brokerage + cash).
    • Monthly expenses (Mint, Copilot, or just bank statement).
    • Your Social Security estimate (ssa.gov).
    • Pension (if any) monthly amount.
    • Other income — rental property, part-time, etc.
    • Current age and target retirement age.

    When to see a real advisor

    • $1M+ saved with complex situation (multiple accounts, real estate, business).
    • Considering Roth conversions.
    • Trying to reduce taxes in retirement.
    • Estate planning + trust questions.
    • Use ONLY a fee-only fiduciary — search at NAPFA.org or letsmakeaplan.org.
    • NEVER an "advisor" who sells annuities or works on commission.

    Free help — AARP and SHIP

    AARP Foundation Tax-Aide — free retirement tax help for 50+ regardless of AARP membership. SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) — free Medicare counseling. Both free, both excellent.