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Prepare for Retirement

Building the nest egg you need — projections, account types, and a decade-by-decade roadmap to financial independence.

Retirement preparation is a decades-long project, and the single most important variable is savings rate. Investing 15–20% of gross income starting in your 20s and 30s produces a very different outcome than starting at 45. The tools are straightforward: 401(k) (especially employer match), Roth IRA, HSA as a stealth retirement account. The math is predictable. What's less obvious is the sequence — which accounts to prioritize at which income levels, and how Roth vs. Traditional plays out over decades based on your expected future tax rate.

Your action checklist

Work through each step — your progress saves automatically in this browser

Your progress—

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Take stock

This month

Project your retirement date and gap

See whether your current savings rate gets you there.

→ Retirement Planner

Score your retirement readiness

Pinpoints exactly what to fix.

→ Retirement Readiness Score

Capture every match and max tax-advantaged accounts

Free money plus tax savings, every year.

Optimize the mix

This year

Choose Roth vs Traditional for your situation

The right answer depends on income and future tax rates.

→ Roth vs Traditional IRA

Use catch-up contributions after 50

An extra $7,500/year in a 401(k) adds up fast.

Check your Coast / FIRE number

You may be closer to financial independence than you think.

→ FIRE Calculator

The final decade

10 years out

Plan Roth conversions before RMDs begin

Convert in lower-bracket years to cut lifetime taxes.

→ Roth Conversion Analyzer 📄 Roth conversion strategy guide

Model your Social Security claiming age

Timing can mean far more guaranteed income for life.

→ Social Security Optimizer

Did you knowDelaying Social Security from 62 to 70 can increase your monthly benefit by about 76%.

Tools to help you prepare for retirement

Free calculators and guides selected for this goal

Retirement Planner

Full Monte Carlo projection with multiple scenarios — see your actual retirement date

Social Security Optimizer

Model optimal claiming age — lifetime benefits and spousal strategy

FIRE Calculator

Lean, Fat, and Coast FIRE targets — could you retire earlier than you think?

Roth Conversion Analyzer

Reduce future RMDs with strategic Roth conversions before you retire

Retirement Readiness Score

Score your savings rate, strategy, and planning depth across 13 questions

Roth vs Traditional IRA

Model your specific situation — the right answer depends on income and projected tax rates

Recommended reading

→How much do you really need to retire?→FIRE movement explained — Lean, Fat, and Coast FIRE →The 401(k) complete guide — match, limits, and strategy → Browse all articles

Have a specific question?

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For example: “I'm 40 years old with $200,000 saved in my 401(k). What do I need to do over the next 25 years to retire comfortably at 65?”

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Educational disclaimer: All content on WealthSerene.com is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Projections and calculations are illustrative — actual results will vary based on market conditions, your specific situation, and many factors outside this tool’s scope. Always consult a qualified financial professional for advice specific to your situation. View full disclosures →