Smart Money Calculator

Retirement planning

Retirement Savings Calculator

Project how current savings, monthly contributions, investment returns, and inflation could affect the amount available at retirement.

Use this retirement savings calculator to model how today's savings and monthly contributions could grow by your selected retirement age after adjusting for inflation.

Inputs

Set your age, savings, monthly contribution, expected return, and inflation.

7.0%
2.0%

Results

Project retirement savings in today's money.

Enter your retirement assumptions and calculate to see the projected savings curve.

Assumptions

What this retirement projection assumes

These assumptions keep the projection transparent and separate scenario modelling from advice.

Return model

Inflation-adjusted annual return

The expected return is converted into a real return using your inflation assumption.

Contributions

Annual contribution timing

Monthly contributions are multiplied by 12 and added once per projected year.

Inflation

Shown in today's money

The projection adjusts investment growth for inflation so the final figure is easier to compare with current spending.

Tax and fees

Not included

The model does not deduct tax, platform fees, fund charges, or pension wrapper rules.

State pension

Not included

State Pension entitlement, defined benefit pensions, and employer-specific benefits are outside this model.

Withdrawals

No drawdown modelling

The calculator projects accumulation only. It does not model retirement spending or withdrawal sustainability.
Examples

Common retirement savings scenarios

Use these examples to think through starting early, catching up, or linking salary sacrifice to retirement goals.

Early starter

A younger saver tests how long-term monthly contributions compound.

  • Longer time horizons make the return and inflation assumptions more important.
  • Small monthly increases can become more visible over several decades.
  • Testing lower returns can make the projection more conservative.

Mid-career catch-up

A saver increases monthly contributions after a pay rise or spending review.

  • The projection shows how the higher contribution affects the target retirement age.
  • Inflation-adjusted results make it easier to compare with current living costs.
  • The model can highlight whether contribution levels need a larger review.

Salary sacrifice link

A worker estimates what extra pension contributions could mean at retirement.

  • Use the UK pension salary sacrifice calculator to estimate extra pension input.
  • Bring that monthly contribution into this page to model a retirement balance.
  • Check tax, employer, and pension rules before acting on any scenario.
FAQ

Retirement savings calculator questions

Important limitations

This calculator is for scenario modelling only. It is not retirement, pension, tax, or investment advice. It does not account for your full pension arrangements, tax position, fees, benefits, state pension entitlement, investment risk, or withdrawal needs.