Retirement
How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Clear, Numbers-Based Answer
The 4% rule, the multiply-by-25 approach, healthcare costs ($315K+), and Social Security -- here's exactly how much you need to retire at different spending levels.
Social Security Optimizer
Enter your earnings history → see break-even analysis for claiming at 62/67/70. Spousal benefits, survivor benefits.
Social Security Optimizer
When should you start collecting Social Security? The answer could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
55 years
30 years69 years
$
$0$300,000
Social Security benefits are based on your earnings history
Waiting until 70 could get you $1,416 more per month — that adds up to $95,520 over your lifetime.
Here's what I'd tell a friend
If you can afford to wait until 70, you'd collect $3,253/month — that's $1,416 more per month than claiming at 62. Over your lifetime, waiting could mean $95,520 more in total benefits. Remember, Social Security is just one piece of the puzzle. This estimate is based on a simplified calculation — check ssa.gov/myaccount for your personalized estimate.
Estimated monthly benefit at FRA (67)
$2,624
Primary Insurance Amount — your full benefit at full retirement age
Claim at 62
$1,837/mo
-30% from full benefit. Lifetime total: $529,056
Claim at 67 (FRA)
$2,624/mo
Full benefit. Lifetime total: $598,272
Claim at 70
$3,253/mo
+24% from full benefit. Lifetime total: $624,576
Monthly difference (62 vs 70)
+$1,416/mo by waiting
Annual benefit at 62
$22,044
Annual benefit at 70
$39,036
Optimal claiming age
Age 70
Maximizes total lifetime benefits assuming life expectancy of 85
Break-even point
Claiming at 67 overtakes 62 at age 78
Break-even point
Claiming at 70 overtakes 67 at age 82
Break-even point
Claiming at 70 overtakes 62 at age 80
Lifetime total at 62
$529,056
Lifetime total at 70
$624,576
The Money Friend
Waiting until 70 could get you $1,416 more per month — that adds up to $95,520 over your lifetime.
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