Retirement Savings and Investments

J.P. Morgan research found 84% of retirees never draw more than the RMD minimum. Here’s how to tell if that’s the right move for you.

Consumption smoothing is how you keep your standard of living stable across a lifetime of income changes, career shifts, and retirement.

See average IRA balances by age for 2026, based on IRS tax data covering 71 million account holders, plus what the averages leave out.

Beyond the free $1,000, funding a Trump Account can leave your child with less post-tax than a brokerage account, unless you get the Roth conversion right.

Boomers hold half of all U.S. household wealth. Here’s who got ahead, how, and whether $432,200 is enough to retire on.

See what Vanguard’s data says the median 401(k) balance is at every age — and why the average number may not represent most savers.

Median retirement savings are $185,000 for ages 55 to 64, dropping to $130,000 at 75+. See 401(k) & IRA balances broken down by age group.

A $150,000 gift can cost $360,000 in retirement terms. Here’s the opportunity cost math, gift tax rules, and four ways to structure the help.

A 1% S&P 500 dividend yield leaves an income gap in retirement. An income floor can bridge it, and a Treasury ladder can help build it.

Morningstar puts the safe withdrawal rate at 3.9%, but flexible strategies can push it to 5.7%. Seven takeaways and what they mean for you.

Vanguard’s new target-date trusts put guaranteed income inside your 401(k). But a floor isn’t a plan. Here’s what the product can’t tell you.

Balanced funds simplify investing while you’re saving. But proportional withdrawals can limit flexibility in retirement when it matters most.

Spend $60,000 a year? Ramsey’s retirement calculator says you need $1.5M. Here’s how the formula works and what it misses.

Five penalty-free ways to tap your 401(k) or IRA before 59½. How SEPP, Rule of 55, Roth withdrawals, and two more actually work.

The median U.S. household has $39,000 saved. See how the middle class compares by age, from cash to home equity.

The top 10% wealthiest retirees have about $3.0M in net worth. See what the top 1% have, and where you stand.

Use 6–8% while you’re saving for retirement, 5–6% while you’re withdrawing. The right rate depends on your asset mix and timeline.

Learn how CalSavers applies to California workers and employers, including automatic Roth IRA enrollment, payroll deductions, and benefits.

The contribution order for retirement accounts can affect how much your money compounds tax-free. Here’s how to prioritize for tax efficiency.

Money is not all about numbers and analysis. Emotions can help and hurt your financial security. Learn how to be an emotionally intelligent investor.

Think you qualify for the 0% capital gains tax rate? Your other income may have already eaten that space. Here’s why, plus the 2026 brackets.

James Choi’s investing model suggests your stock allocation should depend on income, savings, and future earnings, not just age.

Roth conversions move pretax retirement savings into a tax-free Roth account. You pay taxes now to avoid them later. Here’s when it’s worth it.

Hidden mutual fund fees can cost you thousands over time. Learn every expense ratio, sales load, and 12b-1 fee, and how to minimize them.