Articles
Plain-language writing on retirement planning, Social Security, and what the simulation can and can't tell you.
PlanningYear-end retirement checklist for 2026What has to happen by December 31, what can wait until April 15, and the two health-coverage dates in December.Social SecurityFive things to know about when to claim Social SecurityFull retirement age is probably 67, claiming at 62 cuts the benefit for life, and waiting past 70 earns nothing.TaxesWill you be in a lower tax bracket in retirement?It often drops for a few years after the last paycheck. Then Social Security and required withdrawals start, and many retirees are back where they were.Social SecuritySocial Security's 3.6% raise for 2027: what it changes in your planIn a plan measured in today's dollars, the raise keeps your benefit where it was. Two things can take part of it back.MedicareMedicare open enrollment: the one decision that doesn't come backOctober 15 to December 7 changes plans you already have. One of those changes is close to one-way, for a reason that has nothing to do with this window.ContributionsWhat does the 401(k) limit cover?The $24,500 limit is what you can defer from your own pay. Your employer's match sits on top, under a separate and much larger cap.Choosing a toolHow to choose a retirement planning tool: seven questionsWhat separates one retirement calculator from another, and how to check each one before you enter a figure.The paycheckWhat will your paycheck look like in retirement?What your savings can safely produce each month, across 5,000 historical market simulations.PlanningHow much do you need to retire?Why $1 million is the wrong question, and what to work backward from instead.
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