How Long Will My Money Last
This question is longevity risk in plain language. The tool connects portfolio value, withdrawal behavior, and return paths to whether assets survive the horizon — or fail early under stress.
Quick answer
Enter balances, spending, and assumptions. Review ruin or depletion metrics where shown, and use Monte Carlo to see whether bad early-year returns derail the plan.
For a related estimate, see Early Retirement Calculator.
Explore further: Fire Calculator · How Much Do I Need To Retire
How to use this calculator
- Define the horizon explicitly: Plan to age 95+ if your family history suggests long life — underestimating longevity understates risk.
- Anchor ages and horizon: Current age, retirement age, and how long the portfolio must fund spending drive every output.
- Separate real from nominal: Inflation pairs with spending growth; real return pairs with long-run sustainability.
- Use Advanced mode when taxes differ by account: Roth, traditional, and taxable buckets change spendable cash even when totals look equal.
What shortens portfolio life
High fixed spending, low returns in early retirement years, and inflexible withdrawals accelerate depletion.
Explore further: Retirement At 40 · Retirement At 50
Average return vs bad sequences
A plan that works on average can still fail if the worst years cluster early — Monte Carlo helps expose that.
Real-world example
- Example: spending flex: Model a 10% spending cut in down markets — flexibility often extends portfolio life dramatically (illustrative).
Explore further: Retirement At 60 · Retirement Calculator
If the horizon looks short
Increase guaranteed income sources, reduce fixed costs, or extend work — return chasing is a weak fix.
FAQ
Is readiness a guarantee?
No. It is a modeled score from your inputs. Use it to prioritize savings, timeline, and spending tradeoffs.
Should I trust one Monte Carlo run?
Use it as a stress lens. If success is high but fragile to small return cuts, widen your cushion.
Does this replace personalized advice?
No — especially for tax, healthcare, and estate complexity.