How long will my savings last?

It projects one investment balance forward under a fixed average return, subtracting a withdrawal on the schedule you choose (monthly through every five years), optionally grossed up for tax and increased each year for inflation. It reports the month the balance first falls short, the ending balance, the annualized withdrawal rate, and the largest withdrawal that would last the full horizon.

Use it for a quick answer. For market volatility, Social Security, taxes, and two lifetimes, use the withdrawal strategy calculator or the full household plan.

Start with $500,000, withdraw $40,000 at the end of each year, and earn 7% with no fees and no inflation increase. The balance first falls short after about 30 years, 11 months. Raising the withdrawal 3% a year to keep pace with inflation shortens that to about 18 years, 11 months — which is why the today’s-dollars view matters. The largest flat annual withdrawal that lasts 50 years at 7% is about $36,230.

The engine runs month by month. The net return is (1 + return) × (1 − fee) − 1, converted to a monthly rate. Withdrawals occur at the beginning or end of each chosen interval; beginning-of-interval timing is more conservative because money leaves before it earns that period’s return. Today’s-dollar values divide each year’s nominal balance by (1 + inflation) raised to the number of years elapsed.

A diversified 60/40 stock-and-bond portfolio has historically returned roughly 6–8% a year before inflation, with large swings around that average, and about 3–5% after inflation. Fees reduce that directly. Because this calculator applies the same return every year, it cannot show sequence risk — a bad first few years does more damage than the average suggests. Test that on the withdrawal strategy tab.

No taxes beyond the optional flat gross-up; no Social Security or other income; no market variability; one account only.

Confirm any decision with an official Social Security statement, your plan custodian, and a qualified adviser. See the methodology and changelog for every rule the model applies.

How long will $500,000 last at $40,000 a year?

At a steady 7% return with no inflation increase, about 31 years. At 5%, about 20 years. If the $40,000 rises 3% a year for inflation at a 7% return, about 19 years.

Is a 4% withdrawal rate still safe?

The 4% rule was derived from historical U.S. data for a 30-year retirement with inflation-adjusted spending. It is a starting point, not a guarantee; the withdrawal strategy calculator shows how guardrails and percentage-of-balance rules compare.

Should I enter returns before or after inflation?

Enter the nominal (before-inflation) return and the fee separately, then use the today’s-dollars toggle and inflation field to see purchasing power.