Know what the measure is testing
A modeled success rate typically reflects how often a plan meets a defined goal under its assumptions. The result depends on return paths, inflation, spending, lifespan, taxes, and the rules chosen for the model.
Look behind the percentage
Ask what happens in the unsuccessful scenarios, whether spending changes over time, and how early market declines affect the result. Two plans with the same percentage can carry very different tradeoffs.
Use it to identify guardrails
A later retirement date, smaller withdrawals, flexible discretionary spending, or part-time income can improve a plan’s margin. Compare those options rather than treating one result as a verdict.
Avoid false precision
Projections are estimates based on assumptions, not guarantees. Important investment, tax, legal, and benefit decisions should be reviewed in the context of your own circumstances.
Compare your retirement dates privately
Use the interactive demo to test a retire-now and work-longer scenario with your own assumptions. No account is required to begin.
Educational only: This is general information, not individualized investment, tax, legal, or financial advice.