Retirement Planning

Core concepts every adult needs to plan a secure retirement.

Building a Retirement Plan After 45: A Step-by-Step Approach
Featured · Retirement Planning

Building a Retirement Plan After 45: A Step-by-Step Approach

A practical, structured process for adults in their mid-40s and beyond to assess where they stand, set targets, and take consistent action toward retirement.

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 7 min · Apr 8, 2026
Calculating How Much You Actually Need to Retire
Retirement Planning

Calculating How Much You Actually Need to Retire

Learn the frameworks used to estimate retirement income needs, including the 4% guideline, replacement rate concepts, and factors that…

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 9 min · Jun 21, 2025
Catch-Up Contributions Explained: The Retirement Savings Rule Designed for Older Workers
Retirement Planning

Catch-Up Contributions Explained: The Retirement Savings Rule Designed for Older Workers

Adults 50 and over can contribute more to retirement accounts each year. Here is how catch-up contributions work and what they can realistically accomplish.

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 8 min · Dec 12, 2024
Defined Benefit vs Defined Contribution Plans: What the Difference Means for Your Retirement Income
Retirement Planning

Defined Benefit vs Defined Contribution Plans: What the Difference Means for Your Retirement Income

Pension or 401(k)? Learn how defined benefit and defined contribution plans work differently and what each means for your long-term income security.

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 7 min · Feb 9, 2024
Retirement Planning From Scratch: A Complete Primer for Adults Starting Late
Retirement Planning

Retirement Planning From Scratch: A Complete Primer for Adults Starting Late

New to retirement planning at 40 or 50? This guide covers the core concepts, accounts, and strategies to help you catch up and plan with confidence.

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 9 min · Jun 12, 2025
Retirement Savings Myths That Keep Adults From Acting Sooner
Retirement Planning

Retirement Savings Myths That Keep Adults From Acting Sooner

From 'I'll save more next year' to 'Social Security will cover it': common retirement misconceptions examined against what the evidence actually shows.

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 7 min · Aug 14, 2025
The Language of Retirement: Key Terms Every Saver Should Understand
Retirement Planning

The Language of Retirement: Key Terms Every Saver Should Understand

Defined Benefit, RMD, vesting schedule: a plain-language reference to the retirement planning terms you'll encounter and what they actually mean.

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 7 min · Dec 6, 2023
Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA: Choosing the Right Account When Time Is Short
Retirement Planning

Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA: Choosing the Right Account When Time Is Short

A side-by-side look at Traditional and Roth IRAs for adults in their 40s and 50s, covering tax treatment, withdrawal rules, and eligibility limits.

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 7 min · Mar 5, 2024
Why Catching Up on Retirement Savings Is Harder Than It Looks
Retirement Planning

Why Catching Up on Retirement Savings Is Harder Than It Looks

Understand why late starters face compounding disadvantages and what financial concepts explain the gap between where you are and where you need to be.

By Retirement Planning Editorial Team · 9 min · Mar 21, 2025