Calculator Inputs
Select the drivers you want included, then calculate the longest required timeline.
Tip: keep review frequency realistic for life changes.
Example Data Table
A realistic sample showing how different drivers influence the final period.
| Current Age | Retirement Age | Mortgage Years | Youngest Child Age | Target Child Age | Spouse Support | Recommended Period | Ends Near Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 65 | 18 | 6 | 22 | 10 | 30 years | 65 |
| 42 | 67 | 12 | 0 | 22 | 8 | 25 years | 67 |
| 29 | 60 | 25 | 2 | 25 | 12 | 31 years | 60 |
Formula Used
The calculator builds multiple timeline “drivers” and chooses the longest one as the recommended coverage period.
- Retirement driver: Years = max(0, Retirement Age − Current Age)
- Mortgage driver: Years = max(0, Mortgage Years Remaining)
- Children driver: Years = max(0, Target Child Age − Youngest Child Age)
- Spouse support driver: Years = max(0, Spouse Support Years)
- Custom driver: Years = max(0, Custom Years)
- Recommended coverage period: max(Selected Drivers), with a 1-year minimum
- End age: Current Age + Recommended Years
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your current age and a realistic retirement age.
- Add mortgage years remaining if debt payoff is a priority.
- If you have children, enter the youngest child’s age and a target milestone age.
- Add spouse support years if your household needs a transition buffer.
- Select which drivers to include, then calculate.
- Review the dominant driver and term ladder suggestion, then export CSV or PDF.
- Revisit inputs every few years, or after major life changes.