Guides
In-depth, plain-English guides to go with our calculators. No jargon, no product pitches, no paywalls.
The 4% Rule: How Much You Can Safely Withdraw
How much can you spend without running out? Where the 4% rule comes from, the 25x target, sequence-of-returns risk, and how to use it flexibly.
How Much Do You Actually Need to Retire?
No magic number, but very estimable. Work from spending to a 25x target, subtract Social Security and pensions, and let an early start do the heavy lifting.
When Should You Claim Social Security?
Claiming at 62 vs. 70 can swing your check by 70%+. The early-vs-wait trade-off, the break-even age, and why couples should decide together.
401k Contribution Strategies for 2026
Complete guide to 401k contribution strategies for 2026. Learn about the $23,500 limit, employer match, catch-up contributions, and Roth vs traditional 401k.
FIRE Retirement Guide: Financial Independence Explained
Complete guide to the FIRE movement. Learn the 25x rule, 4% withdrawal rate, lean/fat/coast FIRE variants, and how to handle sequence of returns risk.
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Complete Guide
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA compared. Income limits, tax treatment, conversion strategies, backdoor Roth, and how to choose the right IRA for your situation.