Sequence of Returns, Visualized
A market loss while you are saving is not the same as a market loss while you are taking income. See the difference using real annual returns from 2000 through 2025.
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Build your sequence projection
See what sequence of returns means—and how it can affect retirement income planning.
Enter your figures below to see how market performance could affect withdrawals throughout retirement.
This projection assumes drawing $24,000 per year starting at age 65 from a $300,000 retirement savings account.
Preview of your sequence projection
See how 1,000 shuffled retirement paths could unfold. Select "Shuffle 1,000 Retirement Paths" above to reveal the complete projection.How this illustration works
- Uses annual S&P 500 total returns, including reinvested dividends, from 2000 through 2025.
- Each path shuffles one complete set of those historical returns plus a randomized subset when the retirement horizon is longer than 26 years.
- Each retirement horizon is shuffled as one continuous path; there is no artificial restart after year 26.
- Level withdrawals occur at the beginning of each modeled year. The annual return and fixed 1% management fee are then applied.
- Historical and randomized results are not forecasts.
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See how your retirement savings could be assigned to different jobs.
Important Information
This simulator is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice, and it does not predict future results. Historical and randomized results are hypothetical illustrations. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index and cannot be invested in directly. Market portfolios can lose value and withdrawals are not guaranteed. Lifetime income guarantees depend on contract terms and the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. A personalized recommendation requires a full review of your financial situation.
What does “guaranteed lifetime income” mean?
It means the issuing insurance company contractually agrees to continue the specified income payments for the covered lifetime or lifetimes, subject to the contract’s terms. The guarantee depends on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
Does this mean I should move all my savings into an annuity?
No. An annuity is one potential tool for a specific retirement job. Many people also need savings for liquidity, growth, emergencies, healthcare, and legacy goals. Any recommendation should begin with a complete review of those needs.
Why might my actual annuity result be different?
Available income varies by age, state, product, carrier, payout option, income start date, rider terms, and current rates. The calculator provides an educational estimate, not a carrier-approved illustration or offer.
What does the calculator leave out?
It does not model inflation, taxes, changing expenses, or future withdrawals. Those factors should be considered before making a retirement decision.
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