Free savings distribution calculator
See how long your savings will last with regular withdrawals — enter balance, annual return, and monthly withdrawal to find the depletion date, updated live, as you type.
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CD rates vary by bank and term. FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor per bank. Early withdrawal penalties may apply.
Results are estimates. Consult a professional.
How the savings distribution calculator works
A savings distribution calculator answers one critical retirement question: how long will my portfolio last if I withdraw a fixed amount every month? The answer depends on your starting balance, your monthly withdrawal amount, and the rate of return your portfolio earns while you draw it down.
The key insight is that your portfolio keeps earning interest even as you withdraw from it. If your monthly withdrawal is smaller than the interest earned that month, the portfolio never runs out — it is 'sustainable.' If withdrawals exceed interest earned, the balance shrinks each month and will eventually reach zero.
Worked example: $500k at 5%, withdrawing $2,500/mo
You retire with $500,000 invested at a 5% annual return. You plan to withdraw $2,500 every month. How long will the portfolio last?
Years a nest egg lasts by balance, return, and withdrawal
The table below shows how many years a portfolio lasts at three return rates and four withdrawal levels. 'Forever' means the withdrawal is less than monthly interest earned — the sustainable withdrawal scenario.
| Portfolio | Return | $2,000/mo | $3,000/mo | $4,000/mo | $5,000/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | 4% | 19 yrs | 13 yrs | 10 yrs | 8 yrs |
| $500,000 | 4% | Forever | 29 yrs | 19 yrs | 15 yrs |
| $500,000 | 5% | Forever | 35 yrs | 23 yrs | 18 yrs |
| $750,000 | 5% | Forever | Forever | 47 yrs | 27 yrs |
| $1,000,000 | 6% | Forever | Forever | Forever | Forever |
Source: calculated using Trinity Study methodology; assumes constant nominal return and monthly withdrawals.
Tips for making your savings last
Distribution planning is about balancing longevity risk (outliving your money) against lifestyle risk (under-spending and sacrificing quality of life). These habits help you strike the right balance.
- Target a sustainable withdrawal rate — the classic '4% rule' (Bengen, 1994) suggests withdrawing no more than 4% of your starting balance per year. At 5% returns this is typically sustainable for 30+ years.
- Adjust withdrawals in down years — reducing spending by 10–15% during a market downturn can dramatically extend portfolio life because it prevents selling assets at a loss.
- Delay Social Security if possible — each year you delay past 62 (up to age 70) increases your benefit by 6–8%. A higher guaranteed income floor means you can withdraw less from your portfolio.
- Hold a cash buffer — keeping 1–2 years of expenses in cash or a money market account lets you avoid selling investments during short downturns.
- Re-run this calculator annually — market returns vary, and your withdrawal needs change. An annual recalculation keeps your plan grounded in current reality rather than outdated assumptions.
Accuracy and limitations
This calculator assumes a constant annual rate of return every month. Real investment portfolios experience market volatility — years of strong returns and years of losses. Sequence-of-returns risk means that a portfolio can run out faster than the formula predicts if large losses occur early in retirement, even if the long-run average return is the same. Monte Carlo simulations and variable withdrawal strategies can address this limitation but are beyond the scope of this tool.
This calculator is provided for educational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute financial or retirement advice. Consult a licensed financial planner before making retirement distribution decisions.
Savings distribution terms defined
About this savings distribution calculator
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