Am I Ready to Retire?

Retirement readiness is not determined by age or net worth alone. The central question is whether dependable income plus sustainable portfolio withdrawals can support planned spending for an uncertain number of years.

This quiz compares a simplified projection of retirement savings with the portfolio needed to cover the spending left after Social Security and pension income. It also checks high-interest debt and healthcare preparation because both can put pressure on retirement cash flow.

The estimate uses your current retirement savings, yearly contributions, years until retirement, planned spending, and expected guaranteed income. Savings are projected using 3% annual growth above inflation, and the spending gap is converted to a portfolio target using a 4% planning withdrawal rate.

These are planning assumptions, not predictions. The estimate does not model taxes, investment fees, market sequence risk, long-term care, lifespan, account tax treatment, survivor needs, or changes to Social Security and pension benefits.

Start with the largest controllable gap. Increasing savings, reducing high-interest debt, lowering expected retirement spending, or working longer can each change the estimate. Verify your Social Security benefit through the Social Security Administration rather than relying on a guess.

Before leaving work, build a complete retirement income plan and review it with a qualified professional who can consider taxes, healthcare, insurance, estate planning, and your household’s specific risks.