Retirement Path Planner Glide
Calculate retirement path glide with our free tool. Get data-driven results, visualizations, and actionable recommendations.
Formula
Early: Benefit x (1 - 5/9% x months early for first 36mo, then 5/12%) | Late: Benefit x (1 + 8%/yr past FRA)
Break-even age = FRA + (monthly reduction × months claimed early) / (monthly delay credit). This calculator compares cumulative lifetime benefits at ages 62, FRA, and 70, then finds your break-even age — the point where delaying pays off. Enter your life expectancy to see which claiming age maximizes total lifetime Social Security income.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Born 1970, $2,500/month at FRA
Problem: Compare benefits at ages 62, 67 (FRA), and 70 with a $2,500 monthly benefit at full retirement age.
Solution: At 62: $2,500 x 70% = $1,750/month ($21,000/year)\nAt 67 (FRA): $2,500/month ($30,000/year)\nAt 70: $2,500 x 124% = $3,100/month ($37,200/year)\nBreak-even 62 vs 67: ~age 78\nBreak-even 67 vs 70: ~age 82
Result: Age 62: $1,750/mo | Age 67: $2,500/mo | Age 70: $3,100/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is full retirement age for Social Security?
Full retirement age (FRA) depends on your birth year. For those born 1943-1954, FRA is 66. It gradually increases: 1955 = 66+2mo, 1956 = 66+4mo, 1957 = 66+6mo, 1958 = 66+8mo, 1959 = 66+10mo. For 1960 and later, FRA is 67. Claiming before FRA reduces benefits permanently; delaying past FRA increases them by 8% per year until age 70.
What is the difference between a traditional and Roth retirement account?
Traditional 401(k) and IRA contributions reduce your taxable income today — a $6,500 contribution in the 22% bracket saves $1,430 in taxes immediately — but all withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. Roth accounts accept after-tax contributions with no upfront deduction, but qualified withdrawals (age 59½+, account held 5+ years) are completely tax-free, including all growth. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement than today, Roth wins. If you expect lower rates in retirement, traditional wins. Many advisors suggest holding both types to give yourself tax flexibility when withdrawing. Roth IRAs also have no required minimum distributions (RMDs), unlike traditional accounts.
What is the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals?
The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement, then adjusting for inflation each year. Based on historical data, this approach has a high probability of making your portfolio last at least 30 years.
Can I share or bookmark my calculation?
You can bookmark the calculator page in your browser. Many calculators also display a shareable result summary you can copy. The page URL stays the same so returning to it will bring you back to the same tool.
How accurate are the results from Retirement Path Planner Glide?
All calculations use established mathematical formulas and are performed with high-precision arithmetic. Results are accurate to the precision shown. For critical decisions in finance, medicine, or engineering, always verify results with a qualified professional.
Is my data stored or sent to a server?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data you enter is ever transmitted to any server or stored anywhere. Your inputs remain completely private.