[jc3900]

Even though I am 17 and have only a measly 4k in a vanguard account, I am very interested in modeling my investment growth.

1. What do you figure an average rate of return on your investments will be?

I use 8% for long term growth and 7% when I will be retired.

2. Some of the calculators ask if you want to include Social Security. Do you do that?

Heck No. At least for a 17 year old this is a definite NO. There is no way I will get anything out of it. It will crash by the time I am retiring.

3. What % do you use for inflation?

I use 4% for pre-retirement and 5% after.

4. When you run a calculator, what do you consider your retirement age, and how long are you planning to live after retirement?

I do consider my retirement age, but do not consider how long I will live. This is mainly because I plan on having enough money so that my investments after taking out money to live and accounting for growth and inflation is the exact same the next year. Thus, I can leave and give a hefty sum of money away to family and charity.