General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Great American Do-It-Yourself Retirement Fraud, Brought to You By Big Finance & Co. [View all]Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)Before inflation using the same calculator:
Jan 45-75 10.158%
Jan 50-80 10.827%
Jan 55-85: 9.492%
Jan 60-90: 10.158%
Jan 65-95: 9.838%
Jan 70-00: 13.578%
Jan 75-05: 13.326%
Jan 80-10: 11.090%
Inflation also tends to cause wages and salaries to inflate. Even without taking inflation into consideration, most people tend to make more money as they get older. If they are setting their fund contribution amount as a function of their income (as they should), inflation will at least be partially if not totally compensated which I why I don't consider it for the exercise of a simple fund progression example.
Inflation also underscores the need to put your money into the investment that traditionally offers the greatest long term returns. For most people, that is stocks. The after inflation figure of 4.3-8.1% is actually quite good. Compare this to a CD which would put you negative for many years.