Back to home

Retire earlier or keep working?

Compare two retirement scenarios — projected portfolio, sustainable income, freedom and wellbeing.

Retiring earlier isn't just about money — it's a trade-off between freedom, health, security and meaning.

Your financial picture

Assumptions shared between the two scenarios.

Scenario A

Scenario B

Your lifestyle & personal priorities

These sliders shape the wellbeing and career weightings.

6

0 = very unsatisfied, 10 = fully fulfilled.

5

0 = very low, 10 = very high.

7

0 = poor, 10 = excellent.

8

How strongly you value time freedom.

5

How much your work adds meaning to your life.

Weight your priorities

Adjust how much each dimension matters. Totals are normalized automatically.

Example: Finances 30%, Freedom 25%, Wellbeing 20%.
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
50

0 = very cautious, 100 = comfortable with uncertainty.

60

How much you want a well-overfunded portfolio.

Adjust the retirement ages then run the analysis.

Results

Side-by-side comparison of the two retirement scenarios.

Low clarity
The result depends heavily on assumptions or personal preferences.

Financial Independence Progress

A quick snapshot of where you stand today.

Estimated FI age
67

Age at which your portfolio could sustain your spending.

FI progress
18%

Current portfolio vs financial independence target.

Retirement readiness
Behind

How well your projections fund your desired spending.

Key trade-offs

What each scenario actually gives you.

What you gain by retiring earlier

10 extra years of freedom, plus time for health, family and personal projects — before age and energy change the equation.

What you sacrifice financially

About $266,018 less portfolio and $14,309/year lower sustainable income — a thinner cushion against surprises.

What you gain by waiting

A stronger portfolio, a funding ratio of 75%, and a larger safety margin against bad market years.

What matters most

The dominant influence in your decision is Financial. Your risk profile and the value you place on your time drive the outcome at least as much as the numbers.

Portfolio — Scenario B
$630,321

In today's dollars.

Sustainable annual income
$33,906

Compared to your desired spending of $45,000.

Years of freedom gained
0 years

Retire at 60

Scenario A
Retire at 50 · in 10 years
Projected portfolio
$364,303
Sustainable annual income
$19,596
Funding ratio
44%
Years until retirement
10
Financial
58/ 100
Freedom
50/ 100
Wellbeing
49/ 100
Security
27/ 100
Lifestyle
76/ 100
Overall score
51/ 100
Scenario B
Retire at 60 · in 20 years
Recommended
Projected portfolio
$630,321
Sustainable annual income
$33,906
Funding ratio
75%
Years until retirement
20
Financial
100/ 100
Freedom
0/ 100
Wellbeing
55/ 100
Security
68/ 100
Lifestyle
55/ 100
Overall score
57/ 100
Low clarity
Scenario B looks like your best overall balance.The score gap between Scenario A and Scenario B is 5 points. The main trade-off: Financial. Both options can remain reasonable depending on your risk tolerance and personal priorities.

Decision summary

Best choice: Scenario B

Scenario B looks like your best overall balance.

Overall score
57
Gap vs. runner-up
+5
Top influencing factors
  • 1Financial
  • 2Freedom
  • 3Security

This tool helps you reflect, not decide for you. Consult a professional for a personalized plan.

Opportunity cost of retiring earlier

Extra portfolio accumulated by working longer, in today's dollars.
$266,018
Difference between retiring at 50 vs 60.
6% expected return, 2.5% inflation.
Personal impact
Estimated effect of the recommended scenario (Scenario B).
  • Years of freedom0 years
  • WellbeingStable
  • Spending funded75%

Key assumptions

Numbers used behind the projections.

Expected annual return (%)
6%
Expected inflation (%)
2.5%
Years in retirement
30 years
Desired annual spending in retirement ($)
$45,000
Annual contribution ($)
$15,000

Disclaimer

Decision Lab Studio is an educational decision-support tool. Results are based on user-provided assumptions and are not financial, legal, tax, or professional advice.

How useful was this simulation for you?

Click a star to rate (1 to 5).

Your feedback helps us improve Decision Lab Studio

Take 30 seconds to tell us what you think.

Optional — Leave your email if you'd like to be among the first to discover new simulators and major Decision Lab Studio improvements.