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664 how-to guides in 30 topics, each with its official sources listed. Pick a topic from the list; this one is opened in reading order: Retirement, 23 guides. Retirement basics explained without jargon or sales pitches.

On this page · Before you start / Step by step / Checking and upkeep / Recently updated▾

1 Before you start
2 Step by step
3 Checking and upkeep
Recently updated

1Before you start

Can Your 401(k) Match Go Into a Roth? Yes, but You Pay Tax NowIf your plan allows it, you can have employer match money placed in a Roth account. The IRS says it is taxable income in the year it lands, with no withholding.4 min readOriginal Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: Key DifferencesOriginal Medicare offers nationwide provider access; Medicare Advantage may use networks and has a yearly limit for covered medical services6 min read401(k) Vesting Schedules Explained, Cliff vs GradedYour own 401(k) contributions are always yours, but employer money may vest over years. See how cliff and graded schedules work and what leaving costs4 min readHow Is Social Security Calculated? 2026 Benefit FormulaSocial Security uses your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. For 2026 eligibility, bend points are $1,286 and $7,749 before claiming-age changes5 min readRoth IRA Contribution and Income Limits for 20262026 Roth IRA contribution limits are $7,500, or $8,600 at 50+. Income limits phase out at $153,000-$168,000 single and $242,000-$252,000 joint7 min readThe Saver's Credit, Explained With 2026 Income LimitsLow- and moderate-income savers can get a tax credit of 10%, 20%, or 50% of retirement contributions. See the 2026 income tiers and worked examples4 min readTraditional IRA Deduction Limits for 2026 With a Work PlanWith a workplace plan, the 2026 traditional IRA deduction phases out at $81,000-$91,000 (single) and $129,000-$149,000 (joint), per the IRS4 min readUsing an HSA as a Retirement Account, 2026 Limits and Age 65 Rules2026 HSA limits are $4,400 (self-only) and $8,750 (family), plus $1,000 at 55; after 65 non-medical withdrawals skip the 20% tax. IRS Pub. 969.4 min read2026 401(k) Catch-Up Contribution Limits by AgeThe 2026 401(k) limit over 50 is $32,500, including $8,000 catch-up; ages 60 to 63 can defer $35,750 if the plan permits7 min readRoth IRA Tax Rules: Contributions and the 5-Year RuleRoth IRA tax rules: regular contributions come out first without income tax; tax-free earnings require the 5-year period and a qualifying condition12 min read401(k) Employer Match: Rules and How to Calculate ItA 401(k) employer match follows your plan formula. It does not use your $24,500 employee limit in 2026, but counts toward the $72,000 combined cap5 min readTypes of Retirement Accounts: IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), SEPTypes of retirement accounts: traditional and Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b), SEP, SIMPLE IRA. Who sets each up, tax treatment and 2026 IRS limits6 min read

2Step by step

Can You Withdraw Roth IRA Contributions Anytime? The Order RulesYes, your own Roth IRA contributions come out first and are not taxed. Conversions come next, earnings last. See the IRS order with a $34,000 example.4 min read401(k) Rollover Rules 2026: IRA Steps and Tax TrapsA direct 401(k) rollover avoids withholding. A payment to you has 20% withheld and a 60-day deadline; a pre-tax rollover to a Roth IRA can be taxable.6 min readSocial Security Spousal vs Survivor Benefits by AgeYes, a spouse can collect Social Security: up to 50% of the worker's full-age benefit, and a surviving spouse up to 100%. SSA rules and age table5 min readWhen Can I Sign Up for Medicare Part B? Dates and PenaltySign up for Medicare Part B in the 7-month window around your 65th birthday, Jan 1 to Mar 31, or after job coverage ends. Late penalty: 10% per year6 min read401(k) Early Withdrawal Exceptions: When 10% Tax Is Waived401(k) early withdrawal exceptions include disability and qualifying job separation at 55; education and first-home exceptions apply only to IRAs6 min readSocial Security Early Retirement Penalty: 62 vs Full AgeClaiming Social Security at 62 instead of 67 cuts the benefit about 30% for people born in 1960 or later. SSA reduction table by birth year5 min read

3Checking and upkeep

Social Security COLA, How the Annual Increase Is SetThe December 2026 Social Security COLA is 3.6 percent, paid in January 2027. It compares third-quarter CPI-W averages and adjusts benefits.4 min readCombined Income for Social Security: How It Is CalculatedCombined income = AGI + tax-exempt interest + half your benefits. Base amounts are $25,000 single and $32,000 joint (IRS Pub. 915, 2025 tax year)5 min readMedicare IRMAA 2026 Brackets and Part B Premium by Income2026 IRMAA brackets: Part B is $202.90 a month, and the surcharge starts above $109,000 single or $218,000 joint MAGI from your 2024 tax return5 min readWorking While Collecting Social Security: 2026 Earnings TestClaim Social Security early and keep working, and some benefits may be withheld. See the 2026 limits, the $1-for-$2 rule, and what you get back5 min readRMD Age 73 and the Uniform Lifetime Table: Age 75 Is 24.6IRS rules: RMDs start at age 73, divide the prior Dec 31 balance by the Uniform Lifetime Table factor (24.6 at age 75), 25% or 10% missed-RMD tax6 min read

+Recently updated

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