Sequence-of-Returns Calculator

OwnYourPension

Same returns. Opposite order. Very different retirement.

While you are saving, the order of your returns barely matters. Once you start withdrawing, it can decide whether the money lasts. Run a withdrawal plan against real market history — then run the identical years in reverse.

“OwnYourPension” is an educational brand name — not a pension provider. Annuities are insurance products, not employer or government pensions, and are not insured by the PBGC, the FDIC, or any government agency. Guarantees depend solely on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Starting account value What you would retire with.

Withdrawal in year one What you would take out the first year.

Raise the withdrawal each year for inflation 0% keeps the dollar amount flat.

How many years 25 is a common planning horizon; a 65-year-old couple may need 30 or more.

Market history to use S&P 500 total returns, starting in this year.

Share invested in stocks The rest earns a steady rate you set below.

Rate on the non-stock share A simple stand-in for bonds or fixed-rate products.

Annual fee Advisory or fund costs, if any.

In actual order

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Same years, reversed

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Actual order Reversed order

See it year by year

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Educational illustration, not advice. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

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About this illustration. Educational only, not advice and not a recommendation to buy any product. Stock returns are annual S&P 500 total returns (with dividends) for the calendar years shown, from the Damodaran / NYU Stern historical dataset, 1928–2025. The non-stock share earns the flat rate you enter. Withdrawals are taken at the start of each year, and the mix is rebalanced annually. Results ignore taxes, trading costs and any product guarantees, and index returns are not available directly to investors. Reversing history is a teaching device, not a forecast: past sequences will not repeat, and your own returns will differ. Guarantees on any insurance product depend solely on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. OwnYourPension is an educational resource, not an insurance company; annuities are offered through licensed insurance agencies we work with, who are compensated by commission. OwnYourPension is affiliated with T&T Capital Management LLC, a registered investment adviser.