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EVERY RETIREMENT PLANNING DECISION · WITH THE MATH SHOWN

Retirement Planning Calculators

Free retirement calculators for 401(k), IRA, Roth, FIRE, Social Security, RMD, and early retirement withdrawal. Pre-filled with 2026 IRS contribution limits and SSA actuarial tables.

Start with Retirement Savings →

  • Retirement Savings

    Popular

    Project whether your current savings rate reaches your retirement goal.

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  • 401(k) Contribution

    Optimize contributions, employer match, and traditional-vs-Roth split.

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  • Roth IRA Calculator

    Project Roth IRA growth and tax-free retirement income.

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  • Roth vs Traditional IRA

    Compare Roth and Traditional IRA based on tax bracket assumptions.

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  • FIRE Number

    Calculate Financial Independence / Retire Early target using 4% or custom SWR.

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  • Social Security Optimizer

    Find the optimal claim age using SSA life-expectancy tables.

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  • RMD Calculator

    Calculate Required Minimum Distributions using IRS Uniform Life Table.

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  • Coast FIRE

    Determine when you can stop saving and coast to retirement.

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  • Early Retirement Withdrawal

    Plan penalty-free withdrawals via 72(t) SEPP, Rule of 55, or Roth ladder.

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  • Backdoor Roth Calculator

    Evaluate backdoor Roth IRA conversion strategy.

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  • TSP Contribution Optimizer

    Optimize federal Thrift Savings Plan contributions.

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  • Pension Calculator

    Project pension benefit based on years of service and final salary.

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Retirement — deep-dive guides, FAQs, examples, sources

Long-form content kept collapsed by default so the calculator grid stays front-and-center. Expand any section below for primary-source analysis, worked examples, and category FAQs.

Guides (6 articles)▾

Complete retirement planning guide 2026

13 min read

Retirement planning is the longest-horizon financial decision most households make. Small changes to savings rate, account choice, and withdrawal strategy compound to six-figure differences over a 40-year career.

The 4% rule and its critics

The Bengen 4% rule says a retiree can safely withdraw 4% of starting portfolio value annually (inflation-adjusted) with a 95%+ success rate over 30 years. Recent research (Morningstar, Kitces) suggests 3.3–3.7% is safer in low-yield environments. Use the FIRE Number Calculator to derive your target.

Account hierarchy — fill in this order

  1. 401k up to employer match (free money)
  2. HSA if eligible (triple-tax-advantaged)
  3. Roth IRA if under income limits ($150k single MAGI phase-out start in 2026)
  4. Back to 401k up to IRS limit ($23,500 in 2026 for under-50)
  5. Mega-backdoor Roth (if plan allows after-tax + in-service rollover)
  6. Taxable brokerage

Social Security timing

Claim ages 62–70. Each year delayed past full retirement age (67 for those born 1960+) boosts benefit ~8% via delayed-retirement credits. The Social Security Optimizer computes life-expectancy-weighted claim strategy using SSA actuarial tables[1].

RMDs starting age 73 (75 in 2033)

SECURE 2.0 pushed the required minimum distribution age to 73 and to 75 starting 2033. Roth 401k RMDs eliminated starting 2026. Use RMD Calculator to project annual forced withdrawals.

Contribution limits for 2026

  • 401(k) / 403(b) / TSP: $23,500 + $7,500 catch-up at 50+
  • IRA / Roth IRA: $7,000 + $1,000 catch-up at 50+
  • HSA: $4,300 self / $8,550 family
  • SEP-IRA: 25% of compensation up to $70,000

Roth vs Traditional: the break-even analysis

9 min read

The single most consequential retirement question: Roth or traditional? The math is simpler than advisors often present.

The core identity

If your contribution-year marginal rate equals your withdrawal-year rate, Roth and traditional produce identical after-tax wealth. Roth wins when your withdrawal rate > contribution rate. Traditional wins when withdrawal rate < contribution rate.

When Roth wins

  • Early-career low-bracket years (student, first job at 12–22% bracket)
  • Gap year / sabbatical (zero income)
  • You expect tax rates to rise (TCJA sunset in 2027 fits this)
  • You want estate-planning flexibility (Roth has no RMDs for original owner)

When Traditional wins

  • Peak-earning years in 32–37% federal bracket
  • High-tax state now, plan to retire in no-tax state
  • Need current-year deduction to lower AGI into eligibility for other benefits (premium tax credits, Roth eligibility)

The Both approach

Most retirees benefit from tax diversification across traditional, Roth, and taxable accounts to flexibly manage withdrawal-year brackets. See Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator.

FIRE strategies: Coast, Barista, Lean, Fat

8 min read

FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) comes in four flavors. Each requires a different calculator and savings rate.

Coast FIRE

You've saved enough that compound growth alone reaches your retirement number at traditional age — no more contributions needed. Typical target: 25–40% of Fat FIRE number by age 35. Use Coast FIRE Calculator.

Barista FIRE

You've saved enough to cover most expenses from portfolio withdrawals, supplemented by part-time work (often for health insurance). Typical target: 50–70% of Fat FIRE number.

Lean FIRE

Full retirement at lower-than-average spending ($40–50k/yr for a couple). Typical target: $1.0–1.25M portfolio using 4% rule.

Fat FIRE

Full retirement at higher-than-average spending ($100k+/yr). Typical target: $2.5–5M portfolio.

The FIRE Number Calculator handles all four. Adjust safe-withdrawal rate input (2.5–4%) and target expenses.

Social Security optimization

9 min read

Social Security is the most undertaught wealth-preserving decision most retirees make. The claim age choice affects lifetime benefits by $200k+ for typical earners.

The claim-age lever

Monthly benefit at age 62 (early) is 30% lower than the primary insurance amount (PIA). Claiming at 67 (full retirement age for those born 1960+) pays 100% of PIA. Claiming at 70 pays 124% of PIA (8%/year delayed-retirement credits). Past 70, no further increase.

Break-even math

Claiming at 70 vs 62 requires living to about age 80–82 to break even on total lifetime benefits. SSA actuarial tables[1] show median life expectancy for a 62-year-old male is 82, female 85. Statistically, delaying pays off for most healthy individuals.

Spousal and survivor benefits

Spousal benefit is 50% of higher earner's PIA (if higher earner claimed). Survivor benefit is 100% of deceased spouse's benefit at time of death. Delaying the higher earner's claim maximizes survivor benefit for the longer-lived spouse.

Taxation of benefits

Up to 85% of SS benefits are taxable federally if combined income exceeds thresholds ($25k single / $32k MFJ). 13 states tax some portion; 37 do not. Florida, Texas, and other no-income-tax states are SS-friendly.

Retirement decision framework

7 min read

CalcFi's 12 retirement calculators solve distinct questions:

  • Am I on track? → Retirement Savings
  • How much to contribute? → 401(k) Contribution
  • Roth or Traditional? → Roth vs Traditional
  • What's my FI number? → FIRE Number
  • Can I Coast? → Coast FIRE
  • When to claim SS? → Social Security Optimizer
  • RMD for the year? → RMD Calculator
  • Early withdrawal penalty? → Early Retirement Withdrawal
  • Backdoor Roth? → Backdoor Roth

Advanced retirement: Roth ladders and SEPP

8 min read

Three strategies for early retirees to access pre-59.5 retirement funds without the 10% penalty:

Roth conversion ladder

Convert traditional 401k/IRA funds to Roth each year of early retirement; wait 5 years; withdraw converted principal penalty-free. Requires 5-year runway of taxable savings to bridge.

SEPP / 72(t) distributions

Substantially Equal Periodic Payments from traditional IRA. Penalty-free but locked in for 5 years or until 59.5 (whichever longer). Three IRS-approved calculation methods: RMD, amortization, annuitization.

Rule of 55

Separate from employer at age 55 or later → 401k penalty-free (IRA not eligible). Useful for layoffs or early retirement at 55–59.

FAQ (15 questions)▾
What are the 401(k) contribution limits for 2026?
$23,500 employee contribution + $7,500 catch-up at age 50+ = $31,000 max. Employer match is separate (up to $70,000 total 2026 limit including employer contributions, plus catch-up).
How much do I need to retire?
The 4% rule suggests 25× annual expenses. For $80k/yr spending, that's $2M. Modern variants (3.3–3.7% SWR) suggest 27–30× = $2.2–2.4M. Add Social Security to reduce portfolio need.
Should I contribute to Roth or Traditional 401(k)?
Roth if current marginal rate < expected retirement rate (early career, low-income year). Traditional if current > retirement rate (peak earning, plan to retire in low-tax state). Tax-diversify for flexibility.
What is a Roth IRA income limit?
2026 phase-out for direct Roth contribution: $150k–$165k MAGI single / $236k–$246k MFJ. Above: use backdoor Roth (non-deductible traditional → immediate conversion).
When should I claim Social Security?
Age 62 for earliest (30% reduction), 67 for full PIA, 70 for max (124% of PIA). For healthy claimants with >15 years life expectancy past 70, delaying maximizes lifetime benefits.
What is an RMD?
Required Minimum Distribution. Starting age 73 (75 in 2033 per SECURE 2.0), traditional IRA and 401k holders must withdraw an IRS-calculated minimum annually. Missing RMD triggers 25% excise penalty (reducible with correction).
Can I retire early without penalty?
Three paths: Roth conversion ladder (requires 5-year gap), SEPP/72(t) distributions (locked 5+ years), or Rule of 55 (separate from 401k at 55+). See Early Retirement Withdrawal calculator.
How does employer 401(k) match work?
Typical match: 50% of first 6% contributed, or 100% of first 3%. Always contribute enough to get full match — it's 50–100% instant return.
What is the FIRE movement?
Financial Independence, Retire Early. Save 40–70% of income over 10–20 years to build 25× expenses portfolio, then retire decades early. Four flavors: Coast, Barista, Lean, Fat FIRE.
Is a Roth conversion taxable?
Yes — the converted amount is taxable as ordinary income in the conversion year. Strategy: convert during low-income years (sabbatical, early retirement before RMDs) to minimize bracket impact.
What is tax-deferred vs tax-free?
Tax-deferred (traditional 401k/IRA): deduct now, taxed on withdrawal. Tax-free (Roth): contribute after-tax, withdraw tax-free. Both grow tax-free inside the account.
How much Social Security will I get?
Benefit is based on top 35 years of earnings indexed for wage growth. Average retired worker benefit in ${YEAR} is ~$1,907/month. Max at age 70 is ~$4,873/month. SSA provides personalized estimates via my.ssa.gov.
What accounts should I prioritize?
1) 401k to match, 2) HSA if eligible, 3) Roth IRA (income-permitting), 4) 401k to IRS max, 5) Mega-backdoor Roth, 6) Taxable brokerage. Adjust for your situation.
Do I need a financial advisor to retire?
Not strictly — low-cost target-date funds cover most needs. Advisors add value for tax-optimization, estate planning, complex situations (RSU concentration, business sale, inherited IRA). Fee-only fiduciaries recommended.
What is SECURE 2.0?
Legislation (Dec 2022) that raised RMD age to 73 (then 75 in 2033), eliminated Roth 401k RMDs starting 2024, added student-loan-match provision, automatic 401k enrollment for new plans, and many other changes.
Real Examples (7 scenarios)▾

35-year-old Coast FIRE target

Current Age
35
Retirement Age
65
Current Savings
$250,000
Target Retirement Expenses
$80,000/yr
Expected Return
7% real

Result: Coast FIRE achieved — $250k grows to $1.9M by 65 without contributions

With 30 years to compound at 7% real return, $250k → $1.9M, covering the $2M (25×) target. Can stop 401k contributions and redirect to taxable/Roth for early access. Monthly spending stays flexible until 65.

28-year-old Traditional 401k contribution

Salary
$95,000
Contribution
15% = $14,250
Employer Match
50% up to 6% = $2,850
Years to Retirement
37

Result: Projected balance at 65: $2.8M (7% real return)

Annual $17,100 combined contributions compound for 37 years. Federal tax savings from pre-tax: ~$3,135/yr (22% bracket). Net out-of-pocket cost: $11,115 for $17,100 of savings. 54% effective savings rate via match + tax.

Backdoor Roth at high income

MAGI
$275,000
Filing Status
Single
Traditional IRA Balance
$0 (pro-rata clean)
Annual Contribution
$7,000

Result: Full $7k Roth contribution via backdoor, zero tax drag

Non-deductible traditional contribution ($7k) → immediate Roth conversion. Pro-rata rule requires zero pre-tax IRA balance for clean conversion. Compounds to $53k over 20 years at 7%.

Social Security: claim at 67 vs 70

PIA at age 67
$2,800/month
Age 70 benefit
$3,472/month (+24%)
Life Expectancy
85

Result: Claim at 70 yields $80,640 more lifetime benefits

Waiting 3 years forgoes $100,800 ($2,800 × 36 months) but gains $672/month × 180 months = $120,960 to age 85. Net +$20k; at age 90, net +$60k. Healthy retirees strongly favored to delay.

RMD in year 1 (age 73)

Traditional IRA Balance 12/31
$850,000
IRS Uniform Life Table Factor
26.5
State
Florida

Result: RMD: $32,075 (taxable as ordinary income)

$850,000 ÷ 26.5 = $32,075 forced withdrawal. Fed tax depends on other income; at 22% bracket, ~$7,100 fed tax. Florida = zero state tax on this. Missing it triggers 25% excise = $8,019 penalty.

Roth conversion in gap year

Wages
$0 (sabbatical)
Other Income
$8,000 (dividends)
Conversion
$75,000
Standard Deduction
$14,600

Result: Federal tax on conversion: ~$9,200 (12.3% effective)

Taxable income: $68,400 after standard deduction. Fills 10–22% brackets efficiently. Same $75k conversion at 24% peak-earning bracket would cost $18k. Saves $8,800 by timing correctly.

50-year-old catching up

Current Balance
$275,000
Years to 65
15
401k + Catchup
$31,000/yr
Match
$6,000/yr

Result: Projected balance at 65: $1.45M

Aggressive catch-up savings of $37,000/yr gross contributions for 15 years at 7% real return compounds to $1.45M. Supports ~$58k/yr safe withdrawal + Social Security = realistic retirement.

Sources (7 primary citations)▾
  1. [1]Social Security Administration — OASDI / Medicare benefit + contribution rules
  2. [2]Internal Revenue Service — federal individual income tax brackets and standard deductions
  3. [3]Tax Foundation — Property Taxes Paid as % of Owner-Occupied Housing Value; State Tax Rates and Brackets; Estate/Inheritance; Social Security Taxation
  4. [4]State Departments of Revenue — official bracket + deduction publications (one primary URL per state; linked in the brackets table below)
  5. [5]FDIC — National Deposit Rates (savings, checking, CD)
  6. [6]FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) — real median household income, unemployment, HPI, LFPR per state
  7. [7]Census CPS / IPUMS — household income percentiles by state (via DQYDJ)

All data points cited to primary U.S. government, regulatory, and industry sources. Methodology published at /about/editorial.

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Written and maintained by Jere Salmisto, Founder, CalcFi. Updated May 19, 2026.

Formulas and data sourced from IRS Pub 590, SSA actuarial data, Tax Foundation, FDIC, FRED. Methodology at /about/editorial. Published by CalcFi Editorial.