To retire at 60 and spend $3,000 a month, you need about $900,000 saved using the 4% rule ($36,000 × 25). For $4,000 a month, the target is about $1.2 million.
Calculate your own number with our Retirement calculator.
Your retirement target, by monthly spending
| Monthly spending | Annual spending | Amount needed (4% rule) |
|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $30,000 | $750,000 |
| $3,000 | $36,000 | $900,000 |
| $4,000 | $48,000 | $1,200,000 |
| $5,000 | $60,000 | $1,500,000 |
The 4% rule assumes you can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio each year, adjusted for inflation, with a high chance the money lasts 30 years. Some people use 3.5% for extra safety. See the full explanation in What Is the 4% Rule?.
How much to save to get there by 60
Starting at 30 with $10,000 invested and saving $500 a month at 7% builds about $691,150 by 60 — close to the $750,000 needed for $2,500/month spending. To reach $900,000, you’d need roughly $700–$750 a month. Use our Savings Goal calculator to find your exact monthly amount.
What about Social Security or pensions?
Any guaranteed income reduces the amount you need to draw from savings. If Social Security covers $1,500 a month, your portfolio only needs to cover the rest — lowering your target accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
What if I want to retire earlier than 60?
Earlier retirement means more years of withdrawals and more savings needed. Our FIRE calculator shows exactly how many years to financial independence.
Does this account for inflation?
The 4% rule is designed around inflation-adjusted withdrawals. Your actual portfolio value in today’s dollars will be lower than the nominal figure — see our Inflation calculator.
Is $900,000 enough at 60?
For $3,000 a month of spending under the 4% rule, yes. But healthcare, taxes and a long retirement can push real needs higher — stress-test with a conservative withdrawal rate.