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.
Action checklist
Work through the steps in order. Progress saves in this browser, without an account.
Take stock
This month
See whether your current savings rate gets you there.
Tool: Retirement PlannerPinpoints exactly what to fix.
Free money plus tax savings, every year.
Optimize the mix
This year
The right answer depends on income and future tax rates.
Tool: Roth vs Traditional IRAAn extra $7,500/year in a 401(k) adds up fast.
You may be closer to financial independence than you think.
Tool: FIRE Calculator
The final decade
10 years out
Convert in lower-bracket years to cut lifetime taxes.
Tool: Roth Conversion AnalyzerArticle: Roth conversion strategy guideTiming can mean far more guaranteed income for life.
Tools to prepare for retirement
Free calculators and assessments selected for this goal.
- 1Retirement PlannerFull Monte Carlo projection with multiple scenarios — see your actual retirement date
- 2Social Security OptimizerModel optimal claiming age — lifetime benefits and spousal strategy
- 3FIRE CalculatorLean, Fat, and Coast FIRE targets — could you retire earlier than you think?
- 4Roth Conversion AnalyzerReduce future RMDs with strategic Roth conversions before you retire
- 5Retirement Readiness ScoreScore your savings rate, strategy, and planning depth across 13 questions
- 6Roth vs Traditional IRAModel your specific situation — the right answer depends on income and projected tax rates
Recommended reading
Have a specific question?
The AI Financial Tutor gives an educational answer to a finance question in about a minute. 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?”