Retirement
This hub covers the money decisions in saving for and living in retirement: how much you need, which account to put the money in, and how long a balance lasts once the paychecks stop. The rules trace to the IRS and the Social Security Administration. It is free, and there is nothing to sign up for.
Which account before how much
The account you choose matters as much as the amount you save, because each one is taxed differently. A 401(k) comes through work and often carries a match, which is money you should not leave behind. An IRA you open yourself. The Roth versus 401(k) choice comes down to one question: pay tax now or pay it in retirement. There is no single right answer, only the one that fits your tax picture.
The limits reset every year
The government caps how much you can put in each account, and those caps rise most years. Older savers get a higher limit through catch-up contributions. Working from an outdated number either leaves room unused or triggers a correction, so the current contribution limits are worth checking before you set your payroll deferral.
Making the money last
Saving is half the problem. The other half is drawing the balance down slowly enough that it outlives you, while Social Security covers a base you can count on. Both sides run on the same few numbers: how much goes in, what it earns, and how long it has to last.
Where you retire changes the math
Two states can tax the same retirement income very differently. Some tax pensions and 401(k) withdrawals in full, others tax none of it, and a handful never tax Social Security. See how each state taxes retirement income to compare states and read the full guide for yours.