The Goal
Retirement is a Number, Not an Age
The goal is to accumulate enough assets that investment returns exceed your annual spending needs permanently.
The 4% Rule allows a safe withdrawal rate. Multiply your annual expenses by 25 to estimate your retirement target.
Your Retirement Number
Annual expenses × 25 = portfolio target. Spending $60,000/year requires roughly $1.5 million.
25×
Annual spending target
4%
Safe withdrawal rate
The Power of Time
Why Starting Early Changes Everything
Saving early dramatically increases retirement wealth through compound returns.
- → Max your employer retirement match
- → 401(k) limit 2026: $23,000
- → Roth IRA limit 2026: $7,000
- → HSA limit 2026: $4,150
- → Target saving 10–15% of income
$1.3M
Saving $500/mo starting age 25
$612K
Starting age 35