Your Complete Retirement &amp; Personal Finance Library

How Much Do You Need to Retire?

The 4% rule, the real math behind it, and why your answer depends on where you live, when you retire, and what healthcare will cost. Includes by-state targets.

State-adjusted targets→

Popular

How to Retire Early — FIRE Guide 2026

The mechanics of early retirement: the savings rate required, the 25x rule, healthcare before Medicare, and the states where FIRE is most achievable.

FIRE strategies · Healthcare bridge→

Research

Retirement Statistics 2026

60+ sourced statistics: savings rates, Social Security solvency, gender gaps, racial wealth gaps, healthcare costs, and retirement confidence. Free to cite with attribution.

60+ stats · All sourced→

Research

Retirement Savings Gap: Gender & Race

Women retire with 30% less than men. Black and Hispanic Americans face a savings gap 2–3x wider. This report breaks down why — and what policies could close it.

Sourced data · 2026→

Guide

Roth vs. Traditional IRA & 401(k)

Tax now or tax later? The complete comparison: income limits, RMD rules, conversion ladders, and which wins at every income level and tax bracket.

Side-by-side comparison→

Comparison

Best Retirement Planning Tools 2026

Plootus vs. Personal Capital, Fidelity, Vanguard, and other top retirement tools. Honest comparison of features, costs, and accuracy of projections.

Unbiased comparison→

Plan at Every Career Stage

Retirement Planning by Life Stage

The right retirement strategy depends entirely on where you are in your career. Each decade brings different priorities, different tools, and different risks. Find your stage.

Not sure which guide is right for you? Start with your decade. Each guide gives you the benchmarks, the contribution limits, and the specific decisions that matter most right now — not generic advice that applies to everyone.

🚀 Life Stage — New

Retirement Planning in Your 20s

$17

Value of $1 invested at 22 by retirement (7% return)

Your 20s are when retirement is truly won — not because you save the most, but because compounding runs longest. Roth IRA strategy, where to start, how much to save, and the habit stack that puts you a decade ahead of your peers.

Ages 22–29 · Updated 2026→

🌱 Life Stage

Retirement Planning in Your 30s

1–2×

Salary savings target by 30–35 (Fidelity)

Build the foundation. Roth vs. Traditional, 401(k) match capture, asset allocation, and why the decisions you make now matter more than anything you'll do in your 50s. Includes 2026 contribution limits and a complete checklist.

Ages 30–39 · Updated 2026→

⚡ Most Searched

Retirement Planning in Your 40s

3–6×

Salary savings target by 40–50 (Fidelity)

Peak earning years, peak expenses — and the most critical catch-up window. Backdoor Roth, Mega Backdoor Roth, asset allocation shifts, and the priority order for competing financial goals. If you're behind, this is your guide.

Ages 40–49 · Updated 2026→

🏁 Life Stage

Retirement Planning in Your 50s

$31–35K

Max 401(k) with catch-up in 2026 (ages 50–63)

The final push. Catch-up contributions, Social Security timing (62 vs. 70), healthcare before Medicare, RMD planning, and de-risking your portfolio without going too conservative too soon.

Ages 50–59 · Updated 2026→

Am I on Track?

Balance & Savings Benchmarks by Age

Where do you stand vs. your peers? Use these data reports to benchmark your savings across every account type and age group.

15%

Recommended Savings Rate

401(k) Savings Guide by Age

How much should be in your 401(k) at 30, 40, 50, 60? Targets, catch-up strategies, and contribution limits for 2026.

See targets →

$71K

Median 403(b) · Age 35–44

Average 403(b) Balance by Age

Teacher, nurse, nonprofit worker? See how your 403(b) stacks up vs. peers. Includes TIAA data and catch-up options.

Average IRA Balance by Age

$54K

Median IRA · Age 35–44

Roth and Traditional IRA balances by decade. Includes 2026 contribution limits, income phase-outs, and Roth conversion thresholds.

Median Net Worth · Age 35–44

$168K

Average Net Worth by Age

Federal Reserve data on median and mean net worth at every age bracket, broken down by race, education, and income level.

Median Liquid Savings · Age 35–44

$5.5K

Average Savings by Age

How much Americans have in checking and savings accounts by age — and how that compares to recommended emergency fund targets.

Average Credit Card Debt by Age & State

$6,501

Avg. CC Debt · 2026

TransUnion and CFPB data on credit card balances by age, income, and state. Includes payoff strategies and debt-to-income implications.

See data →

$37.7K

Avg. Student Loan · 2026

Average Student Loan Debt

Federal student loan data by degree type, school, age bracket, and state. Includes income-driven repayment breakeven analysis.

See data →

Account Types

Retirement Account Guides

Deep dives into every major retirement account — rules, limits, strategies, and how they fit into your overall plan.

403(b) Plan — Complete Guide 2026

Everything teachers, nurses, and nonprofit employees need to know: contribution limits, employer matching rules, investment options, TIAA-CREF, and rollover rules.

Public sector workers · 2026 limits→

457(b) Plan — Complete Guide 2026

The government and nonprofit retirement account that lets you contribute twice as much in the final 3 years before retirement. Rules, limits, and withdrawal strategies.

Government workers · 2026 limits→

TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) — Complete Guide

Federal employees and military members: contribution limits, G/F/C/S/I fund options, lifecycle funds, matching rules, and the best TSP withdrawal strategy in retirement.

Federal & military workers→

Limits & Rules

HSA Contribution Limits 2026

The triple-tax-advantaged account most people underuse. 2026 limits, eligibility rules, investment strategies, and why an HSA is often the best retirement account you're ignoring.

2026 IRS limits→

Must-Read

Social Security Benefits — Complete Guide

When to claim, how benefits are calculated, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and the $100K+ difference between claiming at 62 vs. 70. Includes 2026 COLA update.

2026 COLA · Claiming strategies→

Must-Read

Backdoor Roth IRA: Step-by-Step Guide for High Earners (2026)

Tax owed on a correctly executed backdoor Roth

If your income exceeds the Roth IRA limit, this IRS-approved workaround is essential. Step-by-step process, how to avoid the pro-rata trap, Form 8606 rules, and the Mega Backdoor Roth.

High earners guide · IRS 2026 rules→

What to Do With Your 401(k) When Switching Jobs

40%

Of your balance lost overnight if you cash out early (taxes + penalty)

All four options compared side by side — vesting schedules decoded, 401(k) loan deadline traps, forced-cashout thresholds ($1K / $5K / $7K), the true tax cost of cashing out, and the Rule of 55.

Vesting · Loans · Cashout costs · SECURE 2.0→

Self-Employed Retirement Plans — Solo 401(k) vs. SEP-IRA vs. SIMPLE IRA

$70,000

Solo 401(k) max contribution 2026

Full side-by-side comparison for freelancers and business owners: 2026 contribution limits at every income level, who each plan is best for, Roth options, employee rules, and a decision guide by situation.

Solo 401k · SEP-IRA · SIMPLE IRA · 2026 limits→

What's my retirement number?

Using our Retirement Calculator, let us help you figure out if you are on track for your planned retirement.

Click Here →

Where You Retire Matters

Retirement by State — All Resources

The state you choose for retirement can determine whether your savings last 15 years or 35. The gap between the most and least expensive states is over $1.9 million.

Popular

Best States to Retire in 2026

The top 10 overall states for retirement — balancing cost, taxes, healthcare, weather, and quality of life. Wyoming, Florida, and South Dakota lead the 2026 rankings.

Composite ranking · All factors→

Cheapest States to Retire 2026

Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, and West Virginia require the least retirement savings. See annual costs, minimum savings required, and the trade-offs on healthcare and quality of life.

Annual cost · Minimum savings→

Guide

Best States for Early Retirement (FIRE)

The states where FIRE is most achievable — low cost of living, no income tax, and access to ACA marketplace plans before Medicare. Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas lead.

FIRE + healthcare bridge→

Tax Data

Tax-Friendly States for Retirees 2026

Which states tax Social Security, pensions, and 401(k) withdrawals — and which don't. Wyoming, Florida, and South Dakota take the top spots. California, NY, and NJ rank last.

All income tax types · 50 states→

Interactive Tool

State Retirement Comparison Tool

Pick any two states and see adjusted annual costs, required savings, tax comparison, and your lifetime financial advantage. Instant results — no account needed.

Any 2 states · Live results→

Average Monthly Expenses by State

Bureau of Labor Statistics data on average monthly expenses by state — broken into housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and discretionary spending.

BLS data · 50 states→

Tools & Calculators

Free Retirement Calculators

Interactive tools that give you real numbers — not generic estimates. Use them together for the full picture.

🧮

Retirement Income Calculator

How much monthly income will your savings generate? Input savings, Social Security estimate, and years in retirement. Adjusts for inflation and state taxes.

Compound Interest Calculator

📈

See the real power of compounding with your numbers. Adjust contribution amount, frequency, rate of return, and time horizon. Includes inflation toggle.

Inflation Impact Calculator

📉

What will $1M actually be worth in 20 years? How much more do you need to save to keep up with inflation? Model different inflation scenarios.

Social Security Benefit Calculator

🏛

Estimate your monthly Social Security benefit at ages 62, 67, and 70. See the break-even point and the total lifetime value of different claiming strategies.

Required Minimum Distribution calculator for Traditional IRA and 401(k). Uses 2026 IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. Calculate your RMD and plan future withdrawals.

📋

RMD Calculator

Calculate RMD →

🗺

State Comparison Tool

Compare any two states head-to-head: annual retirement cost, minimum savings needed, tax burden, and lifetime savings advantage. Instant results.

Compare states →

🏥

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Comparison

Compare Medigap Plans A through N side-by-side. See which covers foreign travel emergencies, skilled nursing, and what each plan costs in your state.

Compare plans →

⚖️

Best Retirement Tools Comparison

Plootus vs. Personal Capital vs. Fidelity vs. Vanguard Retirement Planner. Which tool gives you the most accurate retirement projection?

See comparison →

Income & Cost of Living

Income, Wages & Cost of Living Data

Real earnings and cost-of-living data — essential for knowing where to retire, how much you need to earn, and whether your savings will last.

Median household income, US

$63,795

Average Salary by State 2026

BLS median wage data for all 50 states, broken down by occupation, education level, and metro area. Includes real wage growth adjusted for local cost.

BLS 2026 data→

Median Household Income by State

Census Bureau data on median household income by state, age bracket, race, and education level. Critical context for planning a sustainable retirement income.

Census Bureau · 2026→

Minimum Wage by State 2026

Current minimum wage for all 50 states, plus scheduled increases and local city ordinances above state minimums. Updated as of January 2026.

All 50 states · 2026 rates→

Average Rent by City 2026

Median rent for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments in 300+ US cities. Essential for retirees considering renting vs. owning and comparing costs.

300+ cities · Zillow data→

Average Monthly Expenses by State

BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey data — monthly average spending on housing, food, transportation, healthcare, utilities, and entertainment by state.

BLS data · 50 states→

Average Net Worth by Age & Percentile

Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances data on net worth by age, race, education, and income quintile. Find your percentile and what's needed to retire comfortably.

Fed SCF data · 2026→

New · Insurance

$2,314

National avg. annual full coverage premium

Average Car Insurance Cost by State 2026

All 50 states ranked by average full coverage premium — from Vermont's $1,083 to Florida's $4,941. Includes what drives the $3,858 gap and 7 strategies to pay less.

NAIC data · All 50 states→

New · Insurance

+23%

3-year national average premium increase

Average Home Insurance Cost by State 2026

Homeowners premiums have surged in three years. See why Oklahoma pays $6,432/year while Hawaii pays $631 — and how to make sure you're not underinsured.

III data · All 50 states→

Family Finances & Debt

Family Costs, Children & Debt

Major life expenses that affect your retirement timeline — from raising children to paying off debt. Know the numbers before making big decisions.

Avg. cost to raise a child to 18

$310K

Cost of Raising a Child by State

USDA data updated for 2026 — total and annual cost of raising a child from birth to 18 in every state. Includes housing, childcare, food, and education.

USDA data · All 50 states→

Avg. monthly daycare cost, US

$1,230

Childcare Costs by State 2026

Average monthly and annual childcare costs — daycare, preschool, nanny — in every state. Includes tax planning tips.

By state · All care types→

Avg. federal student loan balance

$37.7K

Average Student Loan Debt 2026

Federal and private student loan data by degree type, school, and state. Includes IDR repayment, PSLF, and refinancing strategies.

Federal loan data · 2026→

Average Credit Card Debt by Age & State

TransUnion data on average credit card balances and delinquency rates by age and income. Includes payoff framework.

TransUnion data · 2026→

Research

Retirement Savings Gap: Gender & Race

Data-backed analysis of the retirement savings gap between demographics. Includes income, investment behavior, and structural factors.

Fed + EBRI data · 2026→

Average Savings by Age 2026

Liquid savings (checking, savings) by age bracket. Includes emergency fund benchmarks and how liquid savings interact with retirement.

FDIC + Fed data→

Must-Read

Divorce & Retirement: QDRO, Splitting Your 401(k) & Social Security

Tax owed on a correctly executed QDRO transfer

How a QDRO works step by step, how each account type is divided (401k, IRA, pension, military), Social Security divorced spousal benefit rules (10-year marriage minimum, 50% of ex's FRA benefit), and the mistakes that permanently destroy the retirement you were awarded.

ERISA · IRC §414(p) · SSA rules · 2026→

Estate Planning Basics — Wills, Trusts, Beneficiaries & Powers of Attorney

68%

of Americans have no will

The 4 documents every adult needs, will vs. revocable living trust (probate costs, privacy, timeline), beneficiary designations that override your will, probate costs by state, a 9-step checklist, and the most expensive estate planning mistakes families make.

4 core docs · Will vs. trust · Probate by state→

Healthcare in Retirement

Healthcare Costs, Insurance & Medicare

Healthcare is the #1 underestimated retirement expense. A 65-year-old couple needs an estimated $315,000 for healthcare alone.

Medicare Guide 2026 — Parts A, B, C & D Explained

All four Parts explained side-by-side with 2026 official costs, every enrollment window and penalty, IRMAA surcharge thresholds, Medigap plan comparison, and Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage decision guide.

CMS 2026 data · Enrollment windows · IRMAA · Medigap→

Pillar Guide

$315K

Fidelity estimate for couple age 65

Healthcare Costs in Retirement

The complete guide: Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, prescription costs, and the bridge from early retirement to age 65.

Medicare + ACA + Medigap→

Comparison Tool

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan Comparison

Plans A through N compared — premiums, coverage, and gaps. When to choose Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, and how to shop.

Plans A–N · All states→

Health Insurance Costs by Age & State

Average monthly health insurance premiums by age and plan type — before and after ACA subsidies. Critical for early retirement.

ACA data · All 50 states→

New · Insurance

$26/mo

Avg. term life cost — healthy 35-yr-old, $500k

Life Insurance Guide 2026 — How Much Do You Need?

Term vs. whole life compared honestly. Average costs by age, the DIME formula for calculating your coverage gap, and how life insurance interacts with your retirement plan.

LIMRA data · Policygenius rates · 2026→

Avg. annual nursing home cost, US

$108K

Long-Term Care Costs by State 2026

Genworth data on nursing home, assisted living, and home health costs by state. Includes LTC insurance and Medicaid planning.

Genworth data · 50 states→

Limits & Strategy

HSA Contribution Limits & Strategy 2026

2026 HSA limits, rules, and how to use an HSA as a stealth retirement account for healthcare expenses — including after age 65.

2026 IRS limits→

Guide

Social Security & Medicare Timing

How Social Security claiming age affects Medicare premium surcharges (IRMAA), Medicaid eligibility, and the interaction between SS income and ACA subsidies in early retirement.

IRMAA · ACA · Medicaid→

🧾 Tax Guides — New

Tax Strategy: Guides for Every Situation

Taxes are one of the biggest — and most controllable — retirement expenses. These 8 guides cover the highest-searched tax topics for individuals, families, and retirees. All data-backed, all free.

Why taxes matter more than you think: A retiree in the 22% bracket paying $60,000/year in withdrawals pays $13,200 in federal tax alone. Strategic Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and choosing the right state can save $200,000–$500,000 over a 25-year retirement. Start with the Retirement Tax Guide →

Pillar Guide

Retirement Tax Guide 2026 — Complete Strategy

The master guide to retirement taxes: how 401(k), IRA, Roth, Social Security, RMDs, and capital gains are taxed — with the optimal withdrawal order and Roth conversion strategy.

All account types · 2026 IRS rules→

High Traffic

37%

Top federal marginal rate 2026

Federal Income Tax Brackets 2026

All 7 federal income tax brackets and rates for 2026 — single, married filing jointly, head of household. Includes standard deduction, AMT thresholds, and how brackets affect retirement withdrawals.

2026 IRS official rates · All filing statuses→

Data + Strategy

LTCG rate for income ≤$96,700 (MFJ)

Capital Gains Tax Rates 2026

Short-term vs. long-term capital gains tax rates, all 2026 thresholds, the 0% bracket strategy for retirees, NIIT surcharge rules, and how to keep more of your investment gains.

2026 rates · Retiree strategy→

Strategy Guide

Roth Conversion Strategy: The Complete Guide

When to convert, how much to convert, how to avoid Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and the 5-year rule. Includes year-by-year Roth conversion ladder for the retirement income gap window.

Brackets · IRMAA · Ladder strategy→

Calculator

Social Security Tax Calculator 2026

Is your Social Security benefit taxable? Enter your provisional income and filing status — instantly see what percentage (0%, 50%, or 85%) of your benefit is subject to federal tax.

Free calculator · 2026 thresholds→