The two things that decide how much you retire with are how much you put in and how long it has to grow. You control both — starting with your next paycheck.
See a projection for retirement — and what it could cost you to put it off.
A rough look at where you could land by retirement.
Projections assume level contributions to age 65 and do not include any employer match, which would add to these totals. Investments fluctuate; actual results will differ.
Hypothetical illustration for educational purposes only; not a guarantee of future performance.
Pre-tax contributions lower the income you're taxed on — so your take-home pay drops by less than what you actually save.
See how a contribution really hits your take-home pay.
Simplified illustration using an estimated marginal tax rate; excludes state tax and Roth contributions (which are made after tax). Educational only.
It comes out before you can spend it. Pay yourself first, without thinking about it.
Lower your taxable income today, or choose Roth for tax-free income later.
The money is yours. When you change jobs, it goes with you.
For most people, Social Security replaces only a portion of pre-retirement income. Your 401(k) is how you close the gap and keep your standard of living.