Freelancer Retirement Calculator

Plan for retirement as a self-employed professional. Project your nest egg with the 4% safe withdrawal rate.

Your age today

When you want to stop working

$

Total in pension, ISA, 401(k), SIPP, etc.

$

How much you save for retirement each month

Average stock market return: 7–10% nominal

Long-term average: 2–3%

$

Monthly spending in today's money

Projected Retirement Fund

Total value at age 60 (30 years of saving)

$1,138,306.75

Total Contributed

$308,000.00

Investment Growth

$830,306.75

Real Value (today's money)

$468,967.31

4% Rule Monthly Income

$3,794.36

πŸ’‘ Retirement Sustainability

At your desired monthly spending ($9,709.05 in future value), your savings would last approximately 12 years 5 months.

The 4% safe withdrawal rule suggests $3,794.36/month for a 30+ year retirement.

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Retirement Planning for the Self-Employed

Without an employer 401(k) match, freelancers need to be more intentional about retirement savings. The good news: self-employed retirement accounts often have higher contribution limits than employer plans.

The 4% Safe Withdrawal Rate

The 4% rule suggests you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually in retirement without running out of money over 30 years. So a $1 million portfolio supports $40,000/year in spending, adjusted for inflation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do freelancers need to retire?
A common rule is 25Γ— your desired annual spending (the 4% rule). If you want $60,000/year in retirement, you need $1.5 million. Our calculator adjusts for inflation to give you a more accurate target.
What retirement accounts can freelancers use?
Freelancers have excellent options: Solo 401(k) (up to $66,000/year in 2024), SEP IRA (up to 25% of net earnings), Traditional/Roth IRA ($7,000/year), and HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan.
What return rate should I assume?
Historically, a diversified stock portfolio has returned about 7% after inflation. Use 7% for optimistic projections and 5% for conservative planning.

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FreshBooks

Invoicing and accounting software built for freelancers. #1 rated for ease of use.

Try FreshBooks Free for 30 Days β†’

QuickBooks Self-Employed

Track income, expenses, and mileage. Maximize tax deductions automatically.

Get 50% Off QuickBooks β†’

Xero

Beautiful accounting software for small businesses and freelancers.

Start Xero Free Trial β†’

Wave

100% free invoicing and accounting. Perfect for solo freelancers.

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Bonsai

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Try Bonsai Free β†’

Gusto

Payroll and benefits for freelancers who hire contractors or employees.

Get 3 Months Free β†’

We may earn a commission if you sign up through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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