Retirement Planning: 401(k)s, IRAs, Annuities and More
The earlier you plan, the more freedom you have later. Learn how to save for retirement, choose the right accounts and turn your savings into reliable income.
Five Pillars of a Secure Retirement
401(k) Plans
Your employer’s plan may be your most powerful tool. Understand 401(k) plans and the match you could be missing.
Annuities
Turn savings into guaranteed income with annuities.
IRAs (Roth & Traditional)
Choose between tax-free growth and a tax break today with Roth and traditional IRAs.
Retirement Calculators
Find out how much you need with our retirement calculators.
Social Security
Know when and how to claim your Social Security benefits.
Learn, Compare and Get Inspired
Each category follows the same three steps. A detailed guide explains the legal, tax and practical rules in plain English. A comparison article then lists current options side by side. Finally, six real people share their stories: their situations, their problems and why they chose each approach.
Browse all retirement articles below.
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Mega Backdoor Roth: How Sandra Optimizes Her 401(k) Beyond the Max
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 Already maxing out your 401(k)? A mega backdoor Roth lets after-tax 401(k) contributions become tax-free Roth savings, but only if your plan supports it. Sandra is already maxing out her standard 401(k) contributions. She suspects there’s more room to optimize her retirement savings, and she’s heard of…
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Solo 401(k) for Self-Employed Owners: How Adam Chose His Retirement Plan
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 A solo 401(k) is a self-employed retirement plan that lets you save as both employee and employer, with higher contribution limits than an IRA and a setup that takes less effort than you’d expect. Adam has spent his energy building his business and hasn’t had the structured…
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401(k) Contribution on a Tight Budget: How Teresa Finds a Realistic Number
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 Choosing a 401(k) contribution on a tight family budget starts with one rule: capture the full employer match first, then build from there. Teresa knows retirement savings matter, but with a mortgage and kids’ expenses already stretching the household budget, finding room for 401(k) contributions feels like…