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Retirement Guides
Clear, practical explanations of the ideas behind the calculator. These guides are for general education and are not personal advice.
How Much Do I Need to Retire?
Start with your spending, subtract guaranteed income, and multiply the gap. Here is how, step by step.
The 4% Rule Explained
A popular guideline for how much you can withdraw each year. Learn what it assumes and when to be more cautious.
Behind on Retirement Savings?
You are not too late. Learn which changes make the biggest difference and how to test them.
Social Security: 62 vs. 67 vs. 70
Claiming early means a permanently smaller check. Understand the trade-off before you decide.
Calculator Assumptions Explained
The numbers you type in drive the answer. Learn how to choose sensible assumptions.
Savings Milestones by Age
Benchmarks can help you see whether you are roughly on track, but your own numbers matter more.
Sources of Retirement Income
Most retirees combine several income sources. Learn what each one does and how to count them.
Health Insurance Before Medicare
Medicare usually starts at 65. If you retire earlier, here is how people bridge the gap.
Traditional vs. Roth Accounts
The main difference is when you pay the tax. Understand the trade-off in simple terms.
Sequence of Returns Risk
Two retirees can earn the same average return and still end up in very different places.
Pay Off the Mortgage Before Retiring?
A paid-off home lowers your monthly needs, but it is not always the best use of your money.
10-Year Retirement Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for the decade before you stop working.