Retirement planning can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right Excel template, you can estimate how much money you’ll need, how long your savings will last, and whether your current strategy is on track. This free Retirement Planning Excel Template (USA edition) is built for U.S. citizens and covers 401(k), IRA, Social Security, inflation, and withdrawal rules.
Download the free template here:
📂 Download Retirement Planning Template (USA)
Disclaimer: This template and article are for educational and guidance purposes only. We are not financial advisors, and this should not be considered professional financial advice. Please consult with a certified financial planner or advisor before making retirement decisions.
What’s Inside the Template
- Inputs tab: Add your current age, retirement age, expected life span, savings, annual contributions, employer match, inflation, and expected returns.
- Projection tab: See a year-by-year forecast of contributions, growth, withdrawals, and balances from today through retirement.
- Summary tab: View your projected nest egg, expected retirement income, Social Security benefits, and income gap (if any).
Good to know: The template works in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Simply upload and use.
Key U.S. Retirement Conditions Built Into This Template
1. 401(k) and IRA Contributions
Enter your annual contribution and employer match. For 2025, the 401(k) contribution limit is $23,000 (or $30,500 if you’re 50+). Traditional and Roth IRAs allow $7,000 (or $8,000 if 50+).
2. Social Security Benefits
You can input an estimate of your expected Social Security monthly benefit. In reality, this depends on your lifetime earnings and the age you claim (62 to 70). For planning, the template lets you enter your own estimate.
3. Inflation Adjustment
Assume an inflation rate (commonly 2–3% in the U.S.) to make sure your future income needs are expressed in today’s dollars.
4. Investment Return Assumptions
- Pre-retirement: Average annual return (e.g., 6–7% for a diversified stock/bond portfolio).
- Post-retirement: Lower return assumption (e.g., 4–5%) to reflect more conservative investing.
5. Withdrawal Strategy
The template uses the well-known 4% Rule as a benchmark — meaning you can withdraw about 4% of your nest egg annually (adjusted for inflation) to last ~30 years. The sheet also shows your personal income gap or surplus.
How to Use the Retirement Planner
- Go to the Inputs tab and enter your personal details.
- Adjust assumptions like inflation, expected return, and retirement age.
- Check the Summary tab to see your projected nest egg and retirement income.
- Review the Projection tab for a year-by-year breakdown.
- Experiment by changing contributions or retirement age to see the effect.
Tips for U.S. Citizens Planning Retirement
- Max out your 401(k) employer match — it’s free money.
- Don’t forget to include Social Security in your income projections.
- Account for healthcare costs (Medicare, supplemental insurance, long-term care).
- Keep your portfolio diversified and gradually lower risk as you near retirement.
- Revisit your plan yearly to adjust for life changes and market performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this template for early retirement planning (before 59½)?
Yes — but note that 401(k) and IRA withdrawals before 59½ may trigger a 10% penalty unless exceptions apply.
What if I want to plan for both spouses?
You can either enter combined numbers in one sheet, or duplicate the sheet for each spouse and sum results.
Does this replace professional advice?
No — this Excel template is a DIY planning tool. Always consult a financial advisor or tax professional for personalized guidance.
Download the Retirement Planning Template
📂 Download Retirement Planning Template (USA)
Disclaimer: This template and article are for educational and guidance purposes only. We are not financial advisors, and this should not be considered professional financial advice. Please consult with a certified financial planner or advisor before making retirement decisions.