Question 1

What growth rate should I use?

Accepted Answer

Many people use 6-8% for long-term stock-heavy portfolios, but adjust for your risk tolerance.

Question 2

How important is employer match?

Accepted Answer

Match is free money and can materially increase retirement balances over time.

Question 3

Does this include Social Security?

Accepted Answer

No. This calculator focuses on retirement accounts only.

Question 4

What if I change jobs?

Accepted Answer

Update the match and contribution inputs to model new scenarios.

Question 5

How do I model a pension?

Accepted Answer

Select pension as the account type and use your expected contribution and match to approximate benefits.

Question 6

Should I include annual raises?

Accepted Answer

You can re run the calculator with higher contributions to reflect raises over time.