The Boldin retirement calculator — named a best retirement calculator by the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) — is a detailed and easy to use retirement planning system.
We are very proud of this tool. Forbes magazine called it a “new approach to retirement planning” and people who use it give the calculator great reviews. Here are a few recent quotes:
“Comprehensive overview and sage advice.“
“Easy & quick with virtually identical estimates as expensive competition.“
“This is by far the most comprehensive and well integrated retirement calculator that I have used. Light years beyond others.“
“I found your site on the internet over a year ago, before I retired. The tools were invaluable to helping me finalize my retirement decision. Post retirement now, I continue to use the site to re-evaluate my overall plan. Thank you for establishing this wonderful site and continuing to provide current resources. You guys rock!”
“Best retirement calculator. Logical and intuitive… And comprehensive.“
And, Now Even Better…
While the tool has always been good, we continuously improve our systems to make retirement planning easier and more accurate for everyone who is interested in having a secure future. The most recent improvements to the Boldin Calculator include:
1. Financial Model Updates:
We recently made some updates to the underlying financial model that drives the hundreds of calculations in the tool. These changes have made our projections for your retirement significantly more accurate than they were before. We have added Required Minimum Distributions to the model and have improved tax handling for income, savings, and investments. Log in to see if you notice any differences in your financial forecasts. You can also browse our assumptions to see exactly what is going on.
2. Additional Metrics:
One of the unique things about the Boldin Calculator is that we offer you a thorough assessment of where you stand now. We have added and refined some of these metrics on the Dashboard. You can now easily see how long your savings last, your potential net worth, and whether or not you will fall in debt before the end of your life.
3. Goal Setting:
The main goal of a retirement plan is figuring out how to make sure your money lasts as long as you do. We have oriented the system to help you focus on and achieve this goal. If you have a significant other, our tool will consider both you and your spouse when realizing your retirement financial needs. The Calculator has always been one of the better resources for couples — enabling independent data handling for each individual. However, our financial model now emphasizes projections for the longest living spouse instead of the individual entering data. This update helps users focus on a secure future for both them and their spouse.
Even More Improvements Coming Soon
We are making big changes and minor tweaks all of the time. We are currently working on the ability to add more detailed information on your retirement accounts. We really appreciate all the feedback you give us. It enables us to keep building the tool you need for a secure future.
Calculator That Plans Real Life
You enter savings, spending, and ages—a retirement calculator only works when it mirrors your life. Then you test taxes, fees, growth rates, and healthcare costs. You iterate contributions and withdrawal sequencing until the plan stays resilient. Finally, you apply the Savings Playbook—match→emergency fund→tax-advantaged accounts→other investments—and confirm results in the Boldin Retirement Planner.
FAQs: Retirement Calculator and Planning
How should I set assumptions in a retirement calculator?
Start conservative. Use realistic returns, inflation, and healthcare costs. Then stress-test bad markets and higher expenses. Next, layer taxes and IRMAA into cash flow. Finally, compare scenarios in the Boldin Retirement Planner so your plan balances spending today with growth tomorrow while staying inside your bracket targets.
How do I translate calculator results into a savings plan?
Use the Savings Playbook order. Capture your employer match. Build an emergency fund. Max tax-advantaged accounts next. Invest remaining dollars in taxable accounts. Re-run the calculator after each change. For practical sequencing later, review Boldin’s guide to ordering withdrawals.
Which withdrawal rate should I model in the retirement calculator?
Begin with a guardrail approach rather than a fixed number. Set an initial rate. Reduce after large drawdowns and restore after recoveries. Coordinate with RMD timing and Social Security. For rate mechanics and adjustments, see Boldin’s overview of retirement withdrawals, then test multiple guardrails.
How do Roth conversions impact retirement calculator projections?
Conversions raise near-term taxes but can lower lifetime taxes. Therefore, model small annual conversions in low-income years. Watch IRMAA thresholds and state taxes. For rules that govern qualified access, read Boldin’s explainer on the two Roth 5-year rules, then compare after-tax outcomes.
What investment mix should I assume in a retirement calculator?
Diversification matters. Costs matter too. Use a balanced allocation that fits your risk tolerance and timeline. For neutral guidance, see the SEC’s overview of asset allocation. Then model ranges—more stocks for growth, more bonds for stability—and choose the mix that supports steady withdrawals.
How often should I update the retirement calculator?
Update after life events, pay changes, or large market moves. Also revisit annually. Refresh contributions, spending, and tax assumptions. Then rerun your scenarios in the Boldin Retirement Planner. Frequent check-ins keep your plan aligned with bracket targets, healthcare costs, and your evolving goals.
Can the retirement calculator help with Social Security timing?
Yes. Model claiming at 62, full retirement age, and 70. Compare lifetime income and tax interactions. Then coordinate with your withdrawal sequence and Roth conversion windows. For context on milestone timing that shapes these choices, review Boldin’s guide to key retirement planning ages.
