Guides
Worked examples, not listicles. Every number is computed by the same engine as the calculators.
How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Worked Answer
The question sounds like it needs your salary. It doesn't. It needs your spending. Here is the whole calculation, with the math visible at every step.
The 4% Rule, Actually Explained
The most quoted number in retirement is also the most misquoted. Here is what the research actually says, what it assumes, and how to stress-test it yourself.
401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026: Every Number, Sourced
One IRS announcement sets every retirement account limit for the year. Here are the 2026 numbers as published, what they mean per month, and exactly what happens if you go over.
The Roth 5-Year Rule: Two Clocks People Keep Merging
Ask five people about the Roth 5-year rule and you will hear one confused answer, because there are actually two clocks. Start them both on the day you fund your first Roth, and the whole thing becomes simple.
FERS Pension: How the Federal Formula Actually Works
Federal retirement runs on one small formula, a retirement-age table most employees never read, and a TSP match that is easy to leave on the table. Here is all three, with the arithmetic shown.
Retiring Abroad: The Five Things to Check Before You Move
Moving overseas in retirement changes the price of healthcare, the tax math, and the paperwork — but rarely your Social Security. Here are the five checks, in the order that prevents expensive surprises.