In-depth guides and resources to help you make the most of the Retirement Calculator and master the underlying financial concepts.
Open Retirement CalculatorRetirement planning is not a single decision — it is a series of choices about savings rates, asset allocation, withdrawal sequencing, and Social Security timing that compound over decades. These guides cover the landmark research: the "4% rule" from William Bengen's 1994 Trinity Study, sequence-of-returns risk, and why a 3.3% to 3.5% withdrawal rate is increasingly recommended for 30+ year retirements. Understanding these frameworks helps you build a plan that survives both sustained bull markets and prolonged downturns.
The 2026 retirement contribution limits are sourced from IRS Notice 2025-67: $24,500 for 401(k)/403(b)/457 plans, $7,500 for traditional and Roth IRAs (including the $1,000 catch-up for those 50 and older). The guides walk through the full contribution hierarchy — HSA, 401(k) match, Roth IRA, taxable brokerage — and explain how Roth conversions, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs starting at age 73 under SECURE Act 2.0), and Medicare IRMAA thresholds interact to affect your net retirement income strategy.
Plan your retirement with confidence using 2026 contribution limits, the 4% rule, and age-based savings milestones. Find out if you are on track.
A complete side-by-side comparison of Roth and Traditional IRAs with 2026 contribution limits, income thresholds, tax implications, and decision framework.