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Monte Carlo Simulation for Retirement

Run thousands of retirement scenarios to understand your probability of success. This Monte Carlo simulation for retirement accounts for market volatility and sequence of returns risk to show the range of possible outcomes.

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Current Situation

$
$

Retirement Phase

$

Adjusts for inflation automatically

$

Market Assumptions

%
%
%

Success Probability

0.0%
of simulations successful

Median at Retirement

$0

Median at Age 90

$0

🚨 High Risk

Success rate: 0.0%. Your current plan has significant risk of running out of money. Immediate adjustments recommended: increase savings, reduce retirement spending, or delay retirement.

Retirement Scenarios (10th, 50th, 90th Percentile)

This shows the range of possible outcomes. The median (50th percentile) is most likely. The 10th percentile shows worst-case scenarios.

Final Balance Distribution

Shows how many simulations ended in each balance range. Red bar ($0) represents scenarios where funds depleted.

Understanding Monte Carlo Simulation for Retirement

What is Monte Carlo Simulation?

This Monte Carlo simulation for retirement runs thousands of possible market scenarios using random returns within your expected range. Unlike simple calculators using average returns, this shows the full spectrum of outcomes - from market crashes to bull runs - giving you realistic probability estimates.

Sequence of Returns Risk

The order of returns matters enormously in retirement. A market crash in your first retirement years is devastating - you're withdrawing from a declining portfolio, locking in losses. Good early returns provide a cushion. This Monte Carlo simulation for retirement captures this critical timing risk.

What's a Good Success Rate?

Financial planners generally recommend 85%+ success rate. Above 90% might mean you're over-saving and could retire earlier or spend more. Below 75% suggests adjustments needed. Remember, success rates aren't guarantees - they're probabilities based on historical market behavior and your assumptions.

Improving Your Odds

If your success rate is too low, you have options: save more now, work a few years longer, reduce retirement spending, or delay Social Security for higher benefits. Use this Monte Carlo simulation for retirement to test scenarios - even small changes significantly improve outcomes.

The 4% Rule and Beyond

The famous 4% withdrawal rule suggests spending 4% of your initial portfolio annually (adjusted for inflation). Monte Carlo simulations show this works in most scenarios, but 3.5% is safer and 5%+ is risky. Your specific rate depends on retirement length, allocation, and market conditions.

Dynamic Spending Strategies

Rather than fixed spending, consider adjusting withdrawals based on portfolio performance. Spend a bit more after good years, tighten during downturns. This flexibility dramatically improves success rates shown in Monte Carlo simulation for retirement scenarios while maintaining lifestyle quality.

Methodology: This Monte Carlo simulation for retirement uses randomized returns within your specified parameters, accounts for inflation, and simulates withdrawal strategies. Results depend heavily on your assumptions. Past market performance doesn't guarantee future results. Consider running conservative scenarios and consulting a financial advisor for comprehensive retirement planning.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and illustrative purposes only. Results are estimates and may not reflect actual outcomes. Investing Point does not guarantee the accuracy of these calculations and is not responsible for any decisions made based on this tool.

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