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//// Financial · Retirement Planning

Freelancer Retirement Gap Calculator

On Track, Slightly Behind, or Significantly Behind? Fidelity benchmarks, FI number, Social Security estimate, and monthly catch-up contribution to close the gap.

401(k) Limit 2024$23,000
Roth IRA Limit$7,000
S&P 500 Avg Return~10%/yr

Your Situation

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%
Significantly Behind

You have $45,000 saved. Fidelity's benchmark for age 35 is $180,000 (2.0× income).

Projected at retirement

$909,316

at age 65

FI number (w/ SS)

$1,101,995

what you need to save

Gap (shortfall)

$192,679

need to close gap

SS estimate

$2,327/mo

rough estimate — check ssa.gov

Monthly needed

$670

to reach FI number

Years to retirement

30

at 7% return

Increase monthly contributions by $170 to get on track

You're currently saving $500/mo. To close your $192,679 gap by age 65, you'd need to save $670/mo. As a freelancer, consider a Solo 401(k) — you can contribute up to $69,000/yr (2024) as both employee and employer.

Fidelity Retirement Benchmarks

AgeFidelity targetYour projectionStatus
Age 30$90,000(1×)$45,000Behind
Age 40$270,000(3×)$97,619Behind
Age 50$540,000(6×)$274,931Behind
Age 60$720,000(8×)$623,729Behind
Age 67$900,000(10×)$1,053,496On track

Fidelity benchmarks: 1× salary by 30, 3× by 40, 6× by 50, 8× by 60, 10× by 67. Your target amounts are based on your $90,000 annual income.

Freelancer Retirement Account Options

  • Solo 401(k): Contribute up to $69,000/yr (2024) — employee portion ($23,000) + employer portion (25% of net self-employment income). Best for high earners.
  • SEP-IRA: 25% of net self-employment income, up to $69,000/yr. Simpler admin than Solo 401(k). No catch-up contributions.
  • Roth IRA: $7,000/yr ($8,000 if 50+). Tax-free growth. Income limits apply.
  • Catch-up contributions: Age 50+: additional $7,500 in Solo 401(k). Age 60–63: additional $11,250 under SECURE 2.0.