Your details
Savings trajectory
All three scenarios compared
Are you on track? Fidelity benchmark comparison
Fidelity recommends having these multiples of your salary saved at each age milestone.
| Age | Target (× salary) | Target ($) | You (projected) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 35 | 2× | $220,000 | $85,000 | ⚠ Behind |
| Age 40 | 3× | $330,000 | $234,058 | ⚠ Behind |
| Age 45 | 4× | $440,000 | $463,454 | ✓ On track |
| Age 50 | 6× | $660,000 | $809,619 | ✓ On track |
| Age 55 | 7× | $770,000 | $1,324,659 | ✓ On track |
| Age 60 | 8× | $880,000 | $2,082,971 | ✓ On track |
| Age 65 | 9× | $990,000 | $3,190,642 | ✓ On track |
How we calculated your number
How much do you need to retire? The complete guide for 2026
The most common retirement question is deceptively simple: "How much do I need?" The equally simple answer — "it depends" — is frustrating but true. What it depends on, and how to calculate your personal number, is exactly what this guide explains.
The 4% rule — your starting framework
The most widely-used retirement formula is the 4% rule, developed by William Bengen in 1994 and validated by the Trinity Study. The rule states: if you withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one, then adjust for inflation each subsequent year, your portfolio has historically lasted 30+ years in nearly all market conditions.
Your magic number = Desired annual retirement income ÷ 0.04
If you want $80,000/year in retirement income and Social Security covers $30,000, you need $50,000 from your portfolio. Divide by 0.04: you need a $1.25 million nest egg. Simple — but this framework needs important adjustments for your specific situation.
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How this is calculated
We grow your savings to retirement, then spend them down to life expectancy, and compare the result to the nest egg the 4% rule says you need.
The steps
- Compound your current savings + monthly contributions month by month at the scenario’s return, stepping contributions up each year and adding any savings events or freed-up debt payments.
- Set your income goal = desired replacement % × salary, grown by inflation to your retirement year, minus annual Social Security.
- Required nest egg = that net annual income ÷ 0.04 (the 4% rule), plus any debt still owed at retirement.
- Draw the portfolio down each year (growth minus inflation-adjusted spending and remaining debt payments) to see if and when it runs out.
- Repeat across three scenarios (pessimistic / base / optimistic) and an optional 500-run Monte Carlo for a success rate.
Assumptions
- Base case: 7% return, 3% inflation. 4% safe withdrawal rate.
- Constant real spending; Social Security amount entered by you.
Good to know
- Uses average returns, not real year-to-year sequence risk.
- Drawdown is not tax-aware. Projections are estimates, not guarantees.
Related resources
Educational disclaimer: All content on WealthSerene.com is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Projections and calculations are illustrative — actual results will vary based on market conditions, your specific situation, and many factors outside this tool’s scope. Always consult a qualified financial professional for advice specific to your situation. View full disclosures →