Retirement Calculator for FY 2025-26 - How Much You Need to Retire Comfortably

Retirement Planning - How Much You Need to Retire Comfortably

Retirement planning is probably one of the most important financial goals because you need to accumulate enough money to last 25-30 years after you stop working, without a regular salary income. The challenge is inflation - ₹1 crore today won't have the same value 30 years later. Our retirement calculator helps you figure out how much corpus you need, how much you should invest monthly, and how various investment options can help achieve this goal.

For FY 2025-26 retirement planning, consider that inflation typically runs at 6-7% per year. So if you need ₹50,000 per month today, you'll need about ₹2.5 lakh per month in 20 years just to maintain the same standard of living. That's why your retirement corpus needs to account for inflation. Most financial experts suggest your retirement corpus should be at least 25-30 times your current annual expenses. If your annual expense is ₹6 lakh today, aim for ₹2 crore corpus.

Retirement corpus needs a mix of different investments. Use PPF for guaranteed, tax-free returns on a portion. Use SIPs in equity mutual funds for potential higher returns (10-12% annually) over long term. Contribute to NPS for additional tax benefits and pension. Park emergency fund in fixed deposits for safety and liquidity. Together, these create a balanced retirement portfolio.

Many people underestimate their retirement needs because they don't factor in healthcare costs (which increase with age), inflation on household expenses, and the fact that you might live 25-30 years post-retirement. Starting early helps enormously because of the power of compounding. Starting at 25 vs starting at 35 can mean a difference of ₹1 crore in final corpus even with the same monthly investment. Use our calculator regularly to track progress and adjust your savings accordingly.

For comprehensive retirement planning guidance, check the PFRDA website at NPS Trust which explains pension options, investment strategies, and retirement corpus planning for both salaried and self-employed individuals.

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter Your Details

Provide your current age, income, expenses, and existing savings

2

Set Investment Goals

Specify your monthly investment capacity and expected returns

3

Choose Retirement Age

Select your target retirement age (55-70 years)

4

Calculate Your Plan

Get your personalized retirement plan with investment strategy

Pro Tip

Start investing early for retirement. The power of compounding works best over long periods. Consider increasing your investment by 10% annually to beat inflation.

Retirement Planning Information & Rules

Why Plan for Retirement?

Retirement planning ensures financial independence in your golden years. With increasing life expectancy and rising healthcare costs, it's crucial to build a substantial corpus that can sustain your lifestyle for 20-30 years after retirement.

Key Retirement Planning Principles (FY 2025-26)

  • • Start Early: Begin investing in your 20s or 30s for maximum compounding benefits
  • • 4% Rule: Withdraw 4% of your corpus annually for sustainable retirement income
  • • Inflation Adjustment: Account for 6% annual inflation in retirement expenses
  • • Diversification: Spread investments across equity, debt, gold, and real estate
  • • Tax Optimization: Utilize Section 80C, 80D, and NPS benefits

Investment Vehicles for Retirement

  • • EPF/PPF: Tax-free returns with government backing
  • • NPS: Additional ₹50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B)
  • • Mutual Funds: SIPs in equity and debt funds for growth
  • • ELSS: Tax-saving mutual funds with 3-year lock-in
  • • Senior Citizen Savings Scheme: Higher returns for 60+ years

Retirement Corpus Calculation

  • • Current Expenses: Base your retirement needs on current monthly expenses
  • • Inflation Adjustment: Multiply by inflation factor for retirement age
  • • 4% Withdrawal Rule: Divide annual expenses by 0.04 to get corpus needed
  • • Buffer: Add 20-30% extra for healthcare and unexpected expenses
  • • Life Expectancy: Plan for 85-90 years of age

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I save for retirement?

As a rule of thumb, save 15-20% of your income for retirement. The exact amount depends on your current age, expected retirement age, lifestyle goals, and existing savings. Use our calculator to get a personalized estimate.

What is the 4% withdrawal rule?

The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your retirement corpus in the first year, then adjusting for inflation each year. This strategy aims to make your money last for 30 years while maintaining your purchasing power.

When should I start retirement planning?

Start as early as possible, ideally in your 20s or 30s. The power of compounding works best over long periods. Even small amounts invested early can grow significantly over 30-40 years.

How does inflation affect retirement planning?

Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. If inflation is 6% annually, ₹100 today will be worth only ₹54 in 10 years. Always factor in inflation when calculating your retirement corpus needs.

What is the best investment strategy for retirement?

A balanced approach works best: 60-80% in equity for growth, 20-30% in debt for stability, and 10-15% in gold/REITs for diversification. Adjust the allocation based on your age and risk tolerance.

Should I invest in NPS for retirement?

Yes, NPS offers additional tax benefits (₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B)) and professional fund management. However, it has a 60% withdrawal limit at retirement, so use it as part of a diversified portfolio.

How much should I have saved by age 30/40/50?

By 30: 1x annual salary; By 40: 3x annual salary; By 50: 6x annual salary; By 60: 10x annual salary. These are general guidelines - your actual needs may vary based on lifestyle and goals.

What if I start late with retirement planning?

Starting late means you'll need to save more aggressively. Consider increasing your investment amount, extending your retirement age, or adjusting your lifestyle expectations. Every year of delay makes a significant difference.

How do I calculate my retirement corpus needs?

Multiply your current annual expenses by 25-30 to get a rough estimate. Then adjust for inflation based on years to retirement. Use our calculator for a detailed calculation based on your specific situation.