Required vs. Desired Spending Calculator

Separate essential needs from discretionary wants to determine your true retirement portfolio needs

How This Calculator Helps

Understanding the difference between required (essential) and desired (discretionary) spending helps you plan for a secure retirement. Required expenses are non-negotiable (housing, food, healthcare), while desired expenses enhance your lifestyle (travel, hobbies, dining out). This calculator shows you two scenarios: the minimum portfolio for essentials only, and the ideal portfolio for your full desired lifestyle.

Your Retirement Spending

Annual Required Expenses (Today's Dollars) ($) Essentials: housing, food, utilities, insurance, healthcare, property taxes

Annual Desired Expenses (Today's Dollars) ($) Discretionary: travel, hobbies, entertainment, dining out, gifts

Annual Social Security Income ($) Combined annual Social Security benefits (you + spouse)

Current Age

Life Expectancy Plan to this age for a secure retirement

Expected Annual Inflation Rate (%)

Portfolio Withdrawal Rate (%) Typical range: 3-5% (4% is traditional rule of thumb)

Expected Annual Portfolio Return (%) Conservative: 5-6%, Moderate: 6-8%, Aggressive: 8-10%

Your Results

Essential Needs Only

Annual gap: $0

0 years of retirement

Full Desired Lifestyle

Annual gap: $0

0 years of retirement

Portfolio Needed at Different Withdrawal Rates

Withdrawal Rate	Essential Needs Portfolio	Full Lifestyle Portfolio	Difference

Portfolio Balance Over Time

Annual Withdrawals Over Time

Year-by-Year Projection

See how your portfolio and expenses change over time with inflation

Year	Age	Required	Desired	Total	SS Income	Withdrawal	Essential Balance	Full Balance

Year 6	70	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XXX,XXX	$XXX,XXX
Year 7	71	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XXX,XXX	$XXX,XXX
Year 8	72	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XX,XXX	$XXX,XXX	$XXX,XXX

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