Maya and Chris plan a wedding and a home purchase within two years of each other in Chicago
Maya (29) & Chris (31), Chicago IL
exampleEngaged, no children yet · $180k/yr household income
They're planning a wedding in 2026 and buying their first home in 2027 while renting in Chicago
Maya & Chris are planning a wedding in 2026 and buying their first home in 2027 while renting in Chicago The real question: Can their budget realistically absorb a wedding and a first home purchase back-to-back, or does one have to wait?
There’s a gap to close$2.0M
Projected net worth at retirement (2057)
Retirement year
2057
Safe withdrawal / yr
$31k
Spending need / yr
$91k
First shortfall
2078
Modeled year by year, the plan runs short before the finish line. That doesn’t mean the goal is off the table. It means one or two levers (savings rate, timing, or the size of the purchase) need to move, and seeing exactly where and when is the value.
Your situation is more like this than a rule of thumb
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Get my verdict →An illustrative example household. The numbers are modeled by Rightmont’s engine from these inputs; your real answer depends on your full picture. Educational only, not financial advice.