How much do I need to retire?

The most widely used benchmark is the 25x Rule: multiply your expected annual retirement spending by 25 to find your target nest egg. This is based on the 4% Rule — research suggesting that withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one, then adjusting for inflation, historically lasted 30 years. If you plan to spend $80,000 per year in retirement, you need approximately $2 million. This is a starting point, not a guarantee. Factors that affect your number: Social Security income (which reduces how much you need to draw from savings), healthcare costs, retirement age, legacy goals, and whether you have a pension. Use the Retirement Planner at wealthserene.com/tools/retirement-planner for a personalized Monte Carlo projection.