How much should I save for retirement?

A common guideline is to save 15% of your gross income starting in your 20s. By age 50, you should have 6x your annual salary saved. By 60, aim for 8–10x. These are rough targets assuming you'll need 70–80% of your pre-retirement income in retirement and can withdraw 4% annually (the "4% rule"). Your specific target depends on your desired lifestyle, healthcare costs, Social Security benefits, and other income sources.

What is a 401(k) and how much should I contribute?

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account that lets you contribute pre-tax dollars (Traditional 401(k)) or after-tax dollars (Roth 401(k)). In 2026, you can contribute up to $23,500 annually, plus a $7,500 catch-up contribution if you're 50+. Most employers match a portion of your contributions — this is free money you should never leave on the table. Aim to contribute at least enough to get the full employer match.

When should I start taking Social Security benefits?

You can claim Social Security as early as age 62 or delay until age 70. Each year you delay increases your benefit by 6–8%. If you claim at 62, your benefit is reduced by about 25–30% compared to waiting until full retirement age (67). If you delay to 70, your benefit is 24–32% higher than at 67. The best age depends on your health, financial needs, and whether you're still working.

What is an IRA and should I use one?

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a personal retirement account with tax advantages. Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible and grow tax-deferred; withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. Roth IRA contributions are after-tax but grow tax-free and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. In 2026, you can contribute up to $7,000 annually ($8,000 if 50+). Use a Roth IRA if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.

Retirement Calculators — Plan Your Financial Future

Effective retirement planning requires understanding how your savings, investments, and benefits work together over decades. Our suite of 7 free retirement calculators covers everything from projecting your 401(k) balance with employer matching to comparing Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA growth, optimizing your Social Security claiming strategy, calculating required minimum distributions, and evaluating Roth conversion opportunities. Whether you are 25 or 65, just starting out or nearing retirement, these tools give you the data-driven insights needed to build a secure financial future. All calculators use compound growth formulas, current IRS contribution limits, and realistic return assumptions based on historical market data.

All Retirement Calculators

7 free tools to help you plan, save, and optimize for retirement

401(k) Calculator

Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with employer match and compound growth

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IRA Calculator

Compare Traditional vs Roth IRA growth and see the impact of annual contributions

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Retirement Savings Calculator

Estimate how much you need to save monthly to reach your retirement income goal

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Social Security Calculator

Compare claiming strategies and see your estimated monthly benefit at different ages

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RMD Calculator

Calculate your required minimum distribution from Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s

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Roth Conversion Calculator

Evaluate the tax impact of converting Traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA

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Net Worth Calculator

Track your total assets and liabilities to measure your overall financial health

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Retirement Planning by the Numbers

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Start With These Guides

Guide to 401(k) Retirement

Maximize employer matching and tax advantages

Roth IRA Complete Guide

Tax-free growth and withdrawals explained

Guide to Social Security

Maximize your lifetime benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to retire?

A common rule of thumb is to have 10–12 times your final annual salary saved by retirement. However, your actual number depends on your lifestyle, healthcare costs, Social Security benefits, and whether you have a pension. Use our Retirement Savings Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your specific situation.

Should I contribute to a Traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k)?

Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income now (saving you taxes at your current bracket), but withdrawals are taxed in retirement. Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, Roth wins. If you are in a high bracket now and expect lower taxes later, Traditional may save more.

When should I claim Social Security?

You can claim Social Security as early as age 62 or delay until age 70. Every year you delay (from 62 to 70), your benefit increases by approximately 8%. If you need the income immediately, claim at 62. If you can wait and have other income sources, delaying to 70 maximizes your lifetime benefit. Use our Social Security Calculator to compare claiming ages.

What is an RMD and when do I have to take it?

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are withdrawals you must take from Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s starting at age 73 (as of 2023). The amount is calculated based on your account balance and life expectancy. Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during your lifetime. Failing to take your RMD results in a 25% penalty on the amount not withdrawn.

Is it worth converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?

A Roth conversion makes sense if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, want to eliminate RMDs on that money, or need to manage your taxable income in a given year. The upfront tax cost is balanced by tax-free growth and withdrawals later. Use our Roth Conversion Calculator to see if the math works for your situation.

Retirement Calculators — Plan Your Financial Future