Retiring earlier usually means your money must last longer. Start with an income goal, then estimate a target portfolio using a withdrawal rate.
Use the Retirement CalculatorPick a yearly spending target (e.g. $40k, $60k, $80k). Then choose a withdrawal rate (e.g. 3–4%).
Run one conservative plan (lower returns, 3% withdrawal) and one mid plan (mid returns, 4% withdrawal). Compare the targets and decide what’s realistic.
It can be, but it usually requires either higher savings, lower spending, or both.
3% is more conservative. 4% is a common rule of thumb. Use the calculator to compare.
No. If you have guaranteed income later, you can subtract that from what your portfolio needs to provide.
Try lowering spending, retiring later, or increasing contributions. Small changes can help a lot.
See /how-compound-interest-works.html.