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Sunday, April 5, 2026

CentsWisdom

Personal finance that makes cents


Retirement

Retirement Planning Essentials

Retirement isn't as far away as it seems — and the decisions you make today determine the options you'll have later. Explore our guides on 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, Social Security timing, and the math behind early retirement (FIRE). Whether you're 25 or 55, there are moves worth making right now.

11 articles ← All articles

All Retirement Planning Articles

Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Beat the Income Limits Retirement

Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Beat the Income Limits

Earn too much for a Roth IRA? There's a legal workaround that's been used by high earners for over a decade. Here's exactly how to do it—and the one trap you need to avoid.

Andrew Carta · 9 min read
Social Security Optimization: How to Maximize Your Benefits Retirement

Social Security Optimization: How to Maximize Your Benefits

When you claim Social Security matters more than most people realize. The difference between claiming at 62 vs. 70 can exceed $100,000 in lifetime benefits. Here's how to make the right call.

CentsWisdom · 9 min read
Estate Planning Basics Everyone Needs (Not Just Rich People) Retirement

Estate Planning Basics Everyone Needs (Not Just Rich People)

Estate planning isn't about wealth — it's about control. Without a will, power of attorney, and updated beneficiary designations, the state decides what happens to your money and your life.

CentsWisdom · 8 min read
Retirement Planning Beyond Your 401(k): The Accounts You're Ignoring Retirement

Retirement Planning Beyond Your 401(k): The Accounts You're Ignoring

Maxing your 401(k) is a good start — but it's not enough. Here are the accounts and strategies most people overlook for a fully funded retirement.

CentsWisdom · 9 min read
FIRE Movement Basics: How to Retire Early on a Normal Salary Retirement

FIRE Movement Basics: How to Retire Early on a Normal Salary

FIRE — Financial Independence, Retire Early — isn't just for tech millionaires. Here's the math, the strategy, and whether it's actually achievable for you.

CentsWisdom · 9 min read
How Much Should You Have Saved by Age? Benchmarks and What to Do If You're Behind Retirement

How Much Should You Have Saved by Age? Benchmarks and What to Do If You're Behind

Savings benchmarks exist so you can stop guessing and start measuring. Here's what the numbers actually say by age — and a realistic plan if you're not where you want to be.

Andrew Carta · 7 min read
Your First 401(k): A Plain-English Beginner's Guide Retirement

Your First 401(k): A Plain-English Beginner's Guide

A 401(k) is the most powerful retirement tool most people ignore. Here's everything you need to know to set it up right — contribution rates, employer match, fund selection, and all.

Andrew Carta · 8 min read
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: The Simple Breakdown Retirement

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: The Simple Breakdown

Both are retirement accounts with tax advantages. The difference is when you pay taxes, and that one detail changes everything.

Andrew Carta · 8 min read
Invest in Your Future Retirement

Invest in Your Future

Why your 401k is the most powerful wealth-building tool you have -- and how to stop leaving free money on the table.

Andrew Carta · 5 min read
401k: When Withdrawing Makes Sense Retirement

401k: When Withdrawing Makes Sense

You should almost never withdraw from your 401k early. But in one specific scenario, the math actually works in your favor.

Andrew Carta · 6 min read
If a Tree Falls in a Forest Retirement

If a Tree Falls in a Forest

Your 401k dropped this quarter. Before you panic, ask yourself: have you actually lost anything? The answer might surprise you.

Andrew Carta · 5 min read

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