Retirement Gap Calculator

The gap is the difference between the nest egg you are on track to have and the amount needed to fund your desired retirement income (after other sources like Social Security). Closing it usually means saving more, retiring later, spending less in retirement, or earning higher returns — with higher risk.

Increase 401(k) or IRA contributions, use catch-up limits after 50, redirect windfalls to investments, consider part-time work in early retirement, delay Social Security for a larger benefit, or modestly reduce retirement spending expectations. Small changes over many years compound significantly.

At least annually after major life events (job change, marriage, home purchase) and whenever markets or goals shift. Recalculating every year keeps assumptions fresh and avoids discovering a large gap only a few years before retirement.