Informational purposes only, not financial advice — always do your own research. See our full legal disclosure for details.
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.
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.
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 Social Security work credits decide whether you qualify for a retirement benefit at all, so here is how to find out exactly where you stand. Alan has been working in the U.S. for several years now, paying into the system every paycheck like everyone else. But he’s…
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 Ex-spouse Social Security benefits can be worth up to 50% of your former partner’s benefit, and claiming them doesn’t require his cooperation. Beverly’s divorce settlement closed one chapter, but it also opened a question she hadn’t expected to be dealing with: whether she might be entitled to…
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 Self-employed Social Security benefits are calculated exactly like an employee’s, even though you pay the full self-employment tax yourself. Wayne has been self-employed for years, and every quarter, he writes a check that includes his Social Security contribution. It’s a bigger check than most of his formerly-employed…
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. We may receive compensation from our partners when you click on links or apply for products featured here; this does not influence our editorial opinions or ratings. For complete terms, see our full legal disclosure.
