Compounding needs time
Even modest contributions can grow meaningfully over many years.
Retirement
Retirement Basics
Retirement planning is about giving your future self options. Small monthly actions matter.
Learn your options
Understand employer plans and individual retirement accounts in plain language.
Increase contributions yearly
Raise contributions little by little as your income grows.
- Step 1: Start with an amount you can maintain each month.
- Step 2: Automate contributions after each paycheck.
- Step 3: Review once a year and adjust up when possible.
401(k) vs Roth IRA
Beginner CompareBoth accounts can be great. This quick table shows the most important beginner differences.
| Feature | 401(k) | Roth IRA |
|---|---|---|
| Tax treatment now | Usually pre-tax, which can lower taxable income today. | Contributions are after-tax, so no upfront tax deduction. |
| Tax treatment later | Withdrawals in retirement are generally taxed as income. | Qualified withdrawals are generally tax-free in retirement. |
| Contribution limits | Usually much higher annual limits than IRAs. | Lower annual limits and income eligibility rules can apply. |
| Employer match | Can include employer match, which is often the first priority. | No employer match. |
| Withdrawal rules | Early withdrawals can trigger taxes and penalties in many cases. | Contributions can often be withdrawn more flexibly than earnings. |
See how today's contributions shape tomorrow
Adjust your timeline and contribution settings to view retirement impact in real time.
Future You Avatar
Building
Future You is on the way. Keep contributing consistently.
Drag the retirement age slider to see your timeline change.
401(k)/IRA Impact Calculator
Retirement age timeline
65 (40 years left)
Projected nest egg
$0
Estimated monthly retirement income
$0
Annual 401(k) + employer match
$0
Annual IRA contribution
$0
Increase 401(k) or IRA inputs to see how Future You improves.
What If I Started Late?
It Is Not Too LateStarting later can still work. You may need to save a higher monthly amount, but consistent contributions can still build meaningful retirement income.
Starting at age 35
Contributing $500/month for 30 years at 7% annual growth could grow to roughly $610,000.
Starting at age 45
Contributing $500/month for 20 years at 7% annual growth could grow to roughly $260,000. Later starts can still build real progress.
Your Retirement Snapshot
Export ReadyTrusted Resources
External Links401(k) contribution limits
Official IRS page showing current 401(k) and employer match limits. Bookmark this — they update annually.
Visit IRS.gov →Your Social Security estimate
Create a free account on the Social Security Administration site to see your personalized estimated benefits at different claiming ages.
Visit SSA.gov →Roth IRA rules
Income limits, contribution rules, and withdrawal conditions for Roth IRAs — straight from the source.
Visit IRS.gov →