Retirement Calculator


Introduction

This calculator is designed to help you determine the financial implications of renting vs buying a home as you approach retirement. By inputting your personal financial details and housing options, the calculator will provide a comparative analysis of the total costs, investment growth, and net positions for both scenarios over time.

Assumptions used in these calculations:

  1. All costs are adjusted for inflation based on the average inflation rate you provide.
  2. Social security and other retirement income sources are NOT inflation adjusted.
  3. Tax rates and contributions (outside of that assessed upon a home) do not factor into the calculations.
  4. Values shown are calculated for what they would be at the end of the year.
  5. Values are shown in nominal values, they are not inflation corrected.

As a general rule when interpreting the results, if the Investment Value is positive, you still have money in the bank. If it is negative, but your Cumulative Asset Value is positive, you have equity in your home, but no money in the bank. If both are negative, you are in debt. Net Positions is an indicator of how efficient different scenarios are at building intergenerational wealth (i.e., inheritance).

Please note that this calculator is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. It is recommended to consult with a financial advisor for personalized guidance based on your specific situation. All information collected is stored locally in your browser and not transmitted to any server.


Starting Information

Please enter a valid age between 18 and 100.
Retirement age must be greater than current age.
Life expectancy must be greater than retirement age.
%
Expected average inflation rate (3% is typical)
$
Average monthly expenditures excluding housing
$
Expected monthly expenditures in retirement
$
Expected monthly Social Security benefits
$
Annuities, pensions, etc.

Renting Information

$
%
$

Buying Information

$
Mortgage excluding down payment
$
%
$
Expected initial repairs cost
$
$
$
Around 5% of home value
%
$
$
%
Check to include the theoretical down payment as part of your investment total
%
Enter 0 for states with no income tax
Check if you plan to itemize (vs. standard deduction)
$
Charitable contributions, medical expenses, etc.

Pre-Medicare (Before Age 65)

$
$
Deductibles, copays, prescriptions

Medicare (Age 65+)

$
Monthly, 2024 standard: $174.70
$
Monthly supplemental insurance
$
With Medicare coverage
Long-Term Care Insurance (Optional)
$
If enabled, typically starts at age 60

Scenario Management

Save and compare different planning scenarios

Give this scenario a memorable name



Data Tables

Total Costs

Age Rent 15 Yr Loan 30 Yr Loan

Per Month Costs

Age Rent 15 Yr Loan 30 Yr Loan

Per Month Investment Use

Age Rent 15 Yr Loan 30 Yr Loan

Investments Values

Age Rent 15 Yr Loan 30 Yr Loan

Cumulative Asset Values

Age Rent 15 Yr Loan 30 Yr Loan

Net Positions

Age Rent 15 Yr Loan 30 Yr Loan

Graphs

Total Costs

Cumulative Asset Values

Net Positions