BearLab

Retirement planning through real-life case studies

Clear, interactive charts and transparent assumptions showing whether retirement goals are realistic for different financial situations.

Explore Case Studies

Early Retirement

Can Four Rentals Fund an Early Retirement at 52?
Borderline
Early Retirement

Can Four Rentals Fund an Early Retirement at 52?

Daniel and Maya have built serious real estate wealth. Turning it into a reliable paycheck is the harder part.

Real EstateCouple+1
Score75
Laid Off at 58 and Replaced by AI: Can Marcus Retire?
Borderline
Early Retirement

Laid Off at 58 and Replaced by AI: Can Marcus Retire?

Marcus has $1.82 million invested, a pension and valuable home equity. But an unexpected early retirement could leave him short later.

Career ChangeSingle+1
Score65
Divorce at 49: Which Settlement Buys Rachel Freedom?
At Risk
Early Retirement

Divorce at 49: Which Settlement Buys Rachel Freedom?

Rachel can keep the house, take more investments or cut financial ties with her ex. Only one option keeps early retirement within reach.

DivorceSingle+1
Score45
At 40, Alex Wants a Passport, Not a Mortgage
Achievable
Early Retirement

At 40, Alex Wants a Passport, Not a Mortgage

He has $1.5 million invested, no house and no debt. Can renting help him retire early and travel the world?

FIRESingle+2
Score80
Can Amit and Padma Retire Early and Still Leave $2 Million?
Borderline
Early Retirement

Can Amit and Padma Retire Early and Still Leave $2 Million?

The Silicon Valley couple has nearly $5 million invested and a valuable home. But their generous retirement lifestyle could put both their savings and their son’s inheritance under pressure.

Fat FIREMarried+2
Score60
At 51, Chasing Early Retirement, Millions—and a Yacht
Achievable
Early Retirement

At 51, Chasing Early Retirement, Millions—and a Yacht

A California couple wants to retire at 55, spend lavishly, buy a yacht and still leave millions. Here’s what has to go right.

Fat FIREMarried+2
Score92

Retirement Trade-Offs

Pay Off the Mortgage or Not Before Retirement?
Trade-Off
Retirement Trade-Offs

Pay Off the Mortgage or Not Before Retirement?

An analysis of whether retirees should use their savings to eliminate their mortgage or keep the money invested.

MortgageDebt+2
Roth 401(k) vs Traditional 401(k) for High Earners
Trade-Off
Retirement Trade-Offs

Roth 401(k) vs Traditional 401(k) for High Earners

An analysis of whether high-income professionals should use a Roth or Traditional 401(k) for maximum after-tax wealth.

RothTax Planning+2
Rule of 55: The Trade-Off Behind Early 401(k) Access
Trade-Off
Retirement Trade-Offs

Rule of 55: The Trade-Off Behind Early 401(k) Access

An analysis of the Rule of 55 trade-off, balancing early retirement withdrawals against future growth and Roth conversions.

401(k)Single+2

Start with the case closest to your situation

Browse our growing library of realistic scenarios to understand the variables that impact your retirement security.

Browse All Scenarios