Retirement Planning Guide - 401(k), Roth IRA & Social Security Tools
Planning for retirement does not have to be overwhelming. Our free calculators help you figure out how much you need to save, compare different retirement accounts like 401(k)s and Roth IRAs, estimate your Social Security benefits, and create a realistic plan to retire comfortably.
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People Also Ask
How much do I need to retire comfortably?
A common rule of thumb models 25x expected annual retirement expenses (the 4% rule). If you need $60,000/year in retirement, that framework points to $1.5 million, but results vary by retirement age, lifestyle, healthcare costs, and Social Security benefits.
Should I contribute to a 401(k) or Roth IRA first?
A common educational sequence compares 401(k) employer match, Roth IRA limits ($7,000 in 2026), then additional 401(k) contributions. This helps illustrate tax-deferred and tax-free growth tradeoffs.
How much will Social Security pay me?
The average Social Security benefit is about $1,900/month in 2026. Your actual amount depends on your earnings history, when you claim (62 vs 67 vs 70), and work credits. Delaying from 62 to 70 can increase your benefit by 76%.
At what age can I retire?
You can access 401(k) funds penalty-free at 59.5, Medicare at 65, and full Social Security at 67 (for those born after 1960). However, with enough savings, you can retire earlier. Our calculator shows what age is realistic based on your savings rate.
How much should I save for retirement each month?
A common educational benchmark is 15-20% of gross income for retirement, including any employer match. Starting later often requires a higher percentage in planning scenarios. Our calculator estimates a monthly savings target from your assumptions.