Retirement Planning Guides

Expert advice, calculators, and strategies to help you plan a secure retirement.

401k9 min read

401(k) Basics: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

A complete guide to 401(k) retirement accounts. Learn about contribution limits, employer matching, Traditional vs Roth 401(k), investment options, and how to maximize your retirement savings.

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retirement planning9 min read

When to Claim Social Security: The Optimal Strategy for 2026

Should you claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? Learn the best claiming strategy based on your situation, including the 2026 changes to full retirement age, COLA increases, and spousal benefits.

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retirement planning10 min read

How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Complete Guide to Calculating Your Number

Learn exactly how to calculate your retirement number using multiple methods: the Rule of 25, income replacement, and expense-based calculations. Find your personalized target with our step-by-step guide.

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retirement planning7 min read

The Power of Starting Early: How Age Affects Your Retirement Savings

See the dramatic difference between starting to save at 25, 35, and 45. Visual examples and real numbers show why compound interest makes early saving so powerful.

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retirement planning6 min read

How "The Simple Path to Wealth" Changed My Financial Life: A Book Review

A personal review of JL Collins' The Simple Path to Wealth - the book that simplified investing and retirement planning for millions. Learn why this is the one book you should read about building wealth.

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retirement planning12 min read

72(t) SEPP: How to Access Retirement Funds Before 59½ Without Penalties

Learn how IRS Rule 72(t) lets you withdraw from your IRA or 401(k) before age 59½ penalty-free. Complete guide to SEPP calculations, pros, cons, and real examples.

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retirement planning11 min read

HDHP vs PPO: Which Health Plan Saves You the Most Money?

Compare High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) with HSA vs PPO/HMO plans using real-world scenarios. Learn which health insurance option is best based on your medical spending, family situation, and financial goals.

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retirement planning8 min read

Roth vs. Traditional: Which Retirement Account Is Better for You?

The ultimate guide to choosing between Roth and Traditional retirement accounts. Learn the tax implications, income limits, and strategies to optimize your retirement savings.

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retirement planning9 min read

Healthcare Costs in Retirement: What to Expect and How to Prepare

A comprehensive guide to understanding and planning for healthcare costs in retirement. Learn about Medicare, supplemental insurance, HSAs, and strategies to protect your retirement savings.

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retirement planning10 min read

Catching Up on Retirement Savings in Your 40s and 50s: Complete Guide

Started saving for retirement late? Learn proven strategies to catch up on retirement savings in your 40s and 50s, including catch-up contributions, aggressive saving tactics, and realistic timelines.

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retirement planning8 min read

How Much Should I Have Saved by 40? The Complete Guide

Find out exactly how much you should have saved by age 40 for retirement. Compare your savings to benchmarks, see if you're on track, and learn strategies to catch up if you're behind.

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retirement planning9 min read

What Income Puts You in the Top 10%? Complete Breakdown by Age and State

Discover what income level puts you in the top 10% of earners in America. See breakdowns by age, state, and how you compare to median and average incomes nationwide.

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fire8 min read

The FIRE Movement Explained: Can You Really Retire Early?

Everything you need to know about Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE). Learn about different FIRE types, the math behind early retirement, and whether it's realistic for you.

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fire10 min read

Coast FIRE Case Study: How Sarah & Mike Hit Their Coast Number at 35

Real Coast FIRE example with actual numbers. See how this couple saved $250K by age 35 and never had to save for retirement again. Includes calculator and step-by-step breakdown.

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retirement planning9 min read

HSA Triple Tax Advantage: The Secret Retirement Account You're Missing

Learn how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer triple tax advantages and can be better than a Roth IRA for retirement. Real examples, contribution limits, and strategies included.

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calculators7 min read

The Best Free Retirement Calculators in 2026 (Compared)

We tested and compared the top free retirement calculators to help you choose the right one. See how our calculator stacks up against Fidelity, Vanguard, NerdWallet, and others.

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retirement planning9 min read

10 Retirement Planning Mistakes That Could Cost You Hundreds of Thousands

Learn the most common retirement planning mistakes and how to avoid them. From starting too late to ignoring taxes, these errors can cost you a fortune.

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retirement planning8 min read

How Much Do I Need to Retire at 65? Complete Guide with Calculator

Find out exactly how much money you need to retire at 65. Use our free calculator and learn about the 4% rule, Social Security, and retirement savings benchmarks.

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retirement planning7 min read

Can I Retire on $500,000? Here's What You Need to Know

Wondering if $500,000 is enough to retire? Learn how far half a million can take you, strategies to make it work, and use our calculator to see your retirement income.

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retirement planning6 min read

The 4% Rule Explained: Is It Still Valid in 2026?

Learn what the 4% rule is, how it works, and whether it's still reliable for retirement planning in 2026. Includes calculator and alternative strategies.

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fire7 min read

What Is Coast FIRE? The Easiest Path to Financial Independence

Learn what Coast FIRE means, how to calculate your coast number, and why it might be the most achievable form of financial independence. Free Coast FIRE calculator included.

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401k6 min read

How to Calculate Your 401(k) Employer Match (+ Get Every Dollar)

Learn how to calculate your 401k employer match, understand matching formulas, and make sure you're getting your full match. Free 401k match calculator included.

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retirement planning9 min read

How to Retire at 55: Complete Early Retirement Guide

Want to retire at 55? Learn how much you need, strategies to bridge the gap before Social Security, and how to access retirement funds early without penalties.

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calculators7 min read

The Power of Compound Interest: How Your Money Grows While You Sleep

Understand how compound interest works and why it's the key to building retirement wealth. See the dramatic difference starting early makes with our calculator.

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