Investment Savings and Distributions
Use this calculator to see how long your investment savings can last once you begin taking distributions.
How the investment savings and distributions calculator works
It runs two phases: years of saving and compounding to find your balance at retirement, then a drawdown phase where it counts how long that balance funds your desired annual income while still earning a return.
Worked example: with starting balance of $25,000, monthly contribution of $600 and years of saving of 25, the investment savings and distributions calculator shows balance when you switch to income of $754,120.
- Total contributed
- $205,000
- Growth while saving
- $549,120
- Balance at switch
- $754,120
- Income lasts
- 19.9 yrs
The formula
Accumulation: balance compounds with monthly contributions. Distribution: balance = balance × (1 + return) − withdrawals, until depleted or self-sustaining.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.
Questions about the investment savings and distributions
Why model both saving and spending?
Because they are two halves of one plan. The balance you build determines the income you can draw, and modelling both shows whether your saving will support your retirement.
What if my income lasts indefinitely?
That happens when your drawdown-phase returns cover the withdrawals, leaving the principal intact. It signals a very sustainable, possibly conservative, withdrawal level.
How do I make the income last longer?
Save more or longer, earn a better return, or withdraw less. Even small changes in the withdrawal amount strongly affect how many years the balance lasts.
Is the Investment Savings and Distributions free to use?
Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.