A financial planning tool, often available online, assists individuals in estimating the potential future value of their retirement savings held within a specific type of employer-sponsored plan. The calculations typically consider factors like current savings balance, contribution rate, expected rate of return, and years until retirement. For example, an individual might input their current $10,000 balance, a 10% annual contribution, a 7% return, and 25 years until retirement to project a potential retirement nest egg.
This forecasting capability is valuable for assessing progress towards retirement goals and identifying potential shortfalls. It enables adjustments to saving strategies, such as increasing contribution rates or re-evaluating investment allocations, to improve the likelihood of a secure retirement. Historically, such tools were less accessible, requiring complex manual calculations or the assistance of a financial advisor; however, their widespread availability now empowers individuals to take greater control of their retirement planning.