Retirement

Wondering how much do you get in Social Security when you retire? Your monthly check depends on three big levers: your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings, the age you claim, and how long you've worked under Social Security-covered employment. For 2026, the maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age (67) is roughly $4,018, while the average retired worker collects about $1,975. A worker who averaged $70,000 per year for 35 years and claims at 67 might see around $2,400 per month, but claiming at 62 cuts that by about 30%, and waiting until 70 boosts it by 24%.

Wondering how much you will get from Social Security when you retire? This calculator uses the same bend-point formula the Social Security Administration applies to Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) to estimate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) and then adjusts it for your chosen claiming age. For example, a worker born in 1965 with average career earnings of $65,000 and claiming at age 67 might see roughly $2,200–$2,500 per month, while claiming at 62 would cut that by about 30%, and waiting until 70 would boost it by 24%.

Deciding how much to contribute to your 401(k) is one of the most consequential financial choices you will make, and the answer depends on far more than a one-size-fits-all percentage. This calculator weighs your salary, age, current balance, employer match, and target retirement age to recommend a contribution rate that keeps you on track. As a baseline, financial planners often suggest saving 15% of gross income for retirement, but someone starting at 25 needs a very different rate than someone starting at 45. For example, a 30-year-old earning $70,000 typically needs 12–15% to retire comfortably at 65.