FI Timeline Calculator
Project how long a current portfolio and fixed annual contributions could take to reach a spending-based financial independence target.
These are deterministic planning assumptions. They do not model market volatility, taxes, fees, Social Security, pensions, or changes in spending.
Your inputs stay on this page and are not saved.
Target portfolio: $1,200,000.00
The model applies one constant real return and one contribution at the end of each year. Real markets do not move in a straight line.
How the calculation works
Target = annual spending ÷ withdrawal rate. Each year, projected balance = prior balance × (1 + real return) + annual contribution. Repeat until the target is reached.
This is a straight-line projection. It excludes taxes, investment fees, changing contributions, pensions, Social Security, and the order of actual market returns.
Reference: Investor.gov: Compound Interest Calculator
FI Timeline Calculator FAQs
What does the FI timeline estimate show?
It shows how many year-end cycles a current portfolio and fixed annual contribution need to reach a spending-based target under one constant real return.
When are contributions added in this calculator?
The model adds one contribution at the end of each year after applying the annual return. Monthly deposits or beginning-of-year deposits would produce a different result.
Why use a return after inflation?
The target comes from spending in today’s dollars. Using a real return keeps the projected balance and target on the same purchasing-power basis.
Does the timeline account for market crashes?
No. It applies the same return every year. Real returns vary, and poor returns early or near retirement can materially change an actual plan.
How can I compare different paths?
Change one assumption at a time, such as annual contributions, spending, withdrawal rate, or real return. Compare the year count while keeping the other inputs fixed.
Why might the estimate say more than 100 years?
The entered contribution and return assumptions do not reach the calculated target within the model’s 100-year limit. Increase contributions, reduce spending, or revisit the assumptions carefully.