What number to use in the "start here" spending box

[michellem]

Hello, I am a new user and forum member. This is a great program!

If I plan to retire in 15 years, and I start at the "start here" box, do I input annual spending in TODAY's dollars or in inflated dollars 15 years from now?

I understand that I must also go to the "not retired" tab and input my annual savings in today's dollars and also the year I plan to retire.

Thank you,
michellem

[arebelspy]

I believe you could also do it in today's dollars, and use the "I am not yet retired" tab to put when you actually will retire, and how much you'll save in the meantime. Might be easier, as it'll calculate the inflation for you. You'd have to know what you'll spend in retirement either way, and it might be easier to estimate what you'll spend in today's dollars.

[bizlady]

Be sure to include health insurance AND taxes in this figure as well. You might consider punching in your actual gross spending now... Presumably a mortgage might be paid by the time you retire and health insurance could take it's place. 15 years is a long time out to know where you will be...