Enough

Alternative to NerdWallet's retirement calculator alternative

A NerdWallet-style retirement calculator with geo-arbitrage built in.

NerdWallet's retirement calculator is one of the most-used free tools on the internet. It's good. It also assumes you're retiring in the United States, which means its 'number' is missing the single biggest lever available to you.

Assumed return

6.0%

Withdrawal rate

4.0%

Savings rate

—

NerdWallet retirement calculator team

What NerdWallet's Numbers Mean For You

Using NerdWallet's assumed 4.0% withdrawal and 6.0% return. "Years to FI" assumes a $50,000 starting portfolio and $2,000/month contributions.

Annual SpendingFIRE # (NerdWallet)FIRE # (4% rule)Years to FI
$40,000$1,000,000$1,000,00019.2y
$70,000$1,750,000$1,750,00026.5y
$120,000$3,000,000$3,000,00034.4y

The Methodology

NerdWallet's retirement calculator uses 6% nominal return, 4% inflation-adjusted withdrawal, and life expectancy of 92. It takes current savings, monthly contribution, target retirement age, current age, and estimated monthly retirement expenses. The output is a shortfall or surplus in today's dollars.

Citations

  • “6% return, 4% withdrawal default assumptions” — nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator
  • “Life expectancy 92 default” — NerdWallet's methodology note

Our Honest Take

Where NerdWallet is right

NerdWallet's calculator is honest, free, and transparent about assumptions. It's a good starting point.

Where we differ

Three additions. First, geo-arbitrage: picking a different retirement city can move your FIRE number by 40-70%. NerdWallet assumes a single inflation number. Second, tax treatment: where you live determines how much of your withdrawals you keep. Third, we support Coast FIRE, Barista FIRE, and tax-aware drawdown, not just full retirement.

Try the Enough FIRE Calculator

Set your own return and withdrawal rate assumptions. Pick any city in the world to adjust your FIRE number for local cost of living.

Open FIRE CalculatorSafe Withdrawal Rate Tool

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SWR

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RISK

Sequence of Returns Risk

FI MATH

FI Number Formula

Where You Retire Changes Your Number

NerdWallet's math assumes a generic US cost of living. The state or country you retire in can move your FIRE number by 30-70%. Start with a tax-friendly state or an international destination:

Florida

No income tax

Texas

No income tax

Portugal

D7 + NHR

Thailand

Territorial

Browse all 50 US states → · International retirement guides →

This page is an independent educational analysis of NerdWallet's publicly stated retirement methodology. It is not officially endorsed by or affiliated with NerdWallet or their organization. Retirement planning involves significant uncertainty — consult a qualified fiduciary advisor before acting on any calculation.