Using the Rule of 72 to Predict How Much You Need to Retire

Previously, I demonstrated a way to calculate your retirement needs. Now I am going to show you how to use a popular math trick, e.g., the Rule of 72, along with some historical inflation data, to give you a quick way to estimate the annual income needed for a comfortable retirement.

Historical Inflation Rate

Here are some quick factoids:

• From 1913 to 2006 U.S. inflation rate averaged 3.4%
• From 1996 to 2006 U.S. inflation rate averaged 2.5%, slightly lower than the longer term average
• 10 consecutive years with the highest inflation rate was between 1973-1982 at 8.8%
• 10 consecutive years with the lowest inflation rate was between 1924-1933 at -2.6% (period spanning the Great Depression)

Using Math Rules to Predict Your Retirement Needs

Using the Rule of 72 and the Rule of 115 and inflation rate of 3.4%, we can estimate that:

• We need 2x our current income to retire in 21 years (72 / 3.4 = 21)
• We need 3x our current income to retire in 34 years (115 / 3.4 = 34)
• We need 4x our current income to retire in 42 years (72 / 3.4, twice)

Refining Your Estimate

Another thing to consider is calculating based on your current income might not be the best method. A better way to do the estimate is to base it off your current estimated annual living expense — specifically, picture yourself retiring today, how much money do you think you need? The reason the expense method is better than the income method is simple — some people make $50,000 a year and could live on $25,000, and some people make over $100,000 but spend more than that every year.

If you don’t have a good idea on how to estimate your expenses, you can apply the 80% rule. The 80% rule simply estimates that you will need about 80% of your pre-retirement income to live comfortably in your retirement, which will lower your retirement needs by a bit.

More about math rules, inflation, and retirement needs:

• Use the Rule of 72 to Understand Compound Interest at GenerationXFinance
• Retirement Income Rule of Thumb Debunked at Consumerism Commentary
• 5 Steps to Early Retirement at Free Money Finance
• A Penny Saved is Worth More Than a Penny Earned at Cash Money Life

Pinyo Bhulipongsanon

Pinyo Bhulipongsanon is the owner of Moolanomy Personal Finance. He is a Realtor®, licensed Broker, and expert property manager with 10 years of experience and a 5-star rating. His team of real estate advisors provide broad range of real estate services and can help with buying, selling, leasing, and managing your property. Over the past 30 years, Pinyo has enjoyed a diverse career as an investor, entrepreneur, business executive, educator, financial literacy author, and Realtor®.