retirement calculator assumptions

[palomalou]

I like Firecalc but run some others from time to time (it's an addiction that must be fed!). Wondering what T. Rowe Price and AARP assume returns will be, since earlier here I read advice to assume NO gains. If they are making an assumption of even 5%, that seems very high to use in making decisions. Thanks!

 

[REWahoo]

... since earlier here I read advice to assume NO gains.

Can you point to where that advice was given? And over what future time period?

 

[palomalou]

reWahoo, I can't find it now, although I thought it was in the "save vs. invest" thread. I don't think a specific term was given. It made sense to me though, because we are about flat for the year (although saving about half of our earned income makes the total figure much higher).

 

[eytonxav]

I think of these things as being ballpark swags. After all, no one can tell you what the market will do going forward, so why should these calculators that look in the rear view mirror be any better