Expected real return shows assumed growth after inflation.

Compounding can strongly shape the year. Small return differences can build over time, and fees, inflation, and investment mix can change how realistic the entered real return feels.

A higher real return grows the projected portfolio faster and can move the Financial Independence Year earlier. A lower real return slows growth and can move the year later.

The calculation uses one annual after-inflation return. Fees, inflation, taxes, cash drag, and investment mix are only reflected if they are already built into the entered rate.

The result may change if a nominal return is entered where a real return was intended, or if actual returns, inflation, fees, cash drag, or asset mix differ from the rate entered.