Tools in This Collection
401(k) Retirement Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with employer match and contribution rates
Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator
Compare after-tax outcomes for Roth vs Traditional IRA based on your tax brackets
RMD Calculator
Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution from traditional accounts starting at age 73
Social Security Break-Even Calculator
Compare Social Security benefits at ages 62, 67, and 70 with cumulative breakeven analysis
Social Security Break-Even Age Calculator
Calculate the exact age when delayed claiming starts to pay off vs early claiming
Catch-Up Contribution Calculator
Calculate maximum catch-up contributions for 401(k), IRA, and HSA for those 50 and older
SEP-IRA Calculator
Calculate maximum SEP-IRA contribution based on self-employment income
Mega Backdoor Roth Calculator
Estimate how much you can convert to Roth through after-tax 401(k) contributions
Guides & Articles
Retirement Planning Workflow
Retirement planning is a sequence of decisions, not a single calculation. The order matters: first maximize tax-advantaged accounts, then choose between Roth and Traditional based on your current vs future tax bracket, then plan withdrawal sequencing to minimize taxes across a 20-30 year retirement.
Step 1: Maximize Tax-Advantaged Contributions
Start with the 401(k) Calculator to project where your current contribution rate takes you by retirement. The 2025 401(k) limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if you're 50 or older with catch-up contributions). If you're self-employed, the SEP-IRA Calculator shows your maximum contribution (up to 25% of net self-employment income, capped at $70,000 in 2025).
Step 2: Choose Roth vs Traditional
The Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator compares after-tax retirement outcomes based on your current marginal rate vs expected rate in retirement. The general rule: if you expect to be in a higher bracket in retirement than now, Roth wins. If lower, Traditional wins. Many people benefit from a mix of both to give themselves tax-diversification in retirement.
Step 3: Plan Social Security Timing
Social Security benefits increase approximately 8% per year for each year you delay claiming past full retirement age (up to age 70). The break-even analysis is critical: claiming at 62 means more years of payments, but at a reduced amount. The Social Security Break-Even Calculator shows how long you'd need to live for delayed claiming to pay off relative to early claiming.
Step 4: Understand Required Minimum Distributions
Traditional IRA and 401(k) assets must begin distributing at age 73 under SECURE 2.0 rules. Missing an RMD triggers a 25% excise tax on the undistributed amount. The RMD Calculator computes your annual distribution based on account balance and the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I have saved for retirement by age 50?
A common benchmark is 6x your annual salary by age 50, working toward 10x by age 67 (Fidelity's guideline). These are averages — your target depends on your expected retirement lifestyle, Social Security benefit, and planned retirement age. The 401k Calculator lets you project forward from your current balance to see if you're on pace.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and a Roth IRA?
Yes, as long as you meet the income limits for the Roth IRA. For 2025, Roth IRA contribution eligibility phases out at $150,000-$165,000 MAGI (single) or $236,000-$246,000 (married filing jointly). Contributing to a workplace 401(k) doesn't affect your Roth IRA eligibility.
What is a Roth conversion ladder?
A Roth conversion ladder is a strategy for early retirees to access pre-tax retirement funds before age 59½ without penalty. It involves converting Traditional IRA or 401(k) funds to Roth IRA each year during low-income early retirement years, then withdrawing the converted principal (not earnings) 5 years later penalty-free.
When should I start claiming Social Security?
The break-even age for claiming at 70 vs 62 is typically around age 80-82. If you expect to live into your mid-80s or beyond, delaying to 70 usually maximizes total lifetime benefits. If you have health concerns or need income, earlier claiming makes sense. Married couples have additional optimization options around survivor benefits.
What happens if I miss an RMD?
The IRS imposes a 25% excise tax on the amount you were supposed to withdraw but didn't (reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years under SECURE 2.0). RMDs must start at age 73 for most accounts. Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the owner's lifetime — only inherited Roth IRAs require distributions.