Retirement & Savings
These articles, tools, and downloads walk you through saving and retirement from everyday habits to long-term planning, so you can build a plan for your future.
Learn the basics
Start with whatever fits where you are right now.
Try the tools
Put what you learned to work with your own numbers. Open a tool to get started.
Savings Worksheet
Fill in your own numbers for your emergency fund, a short-term goal, and a long-term goal, then download the finished plan as a PDF.
Emergency Fund
Money you can reach fast for the unexpected. A common starting target is 3 to 6 months of essential expenses.
Short-Term Goal
For something a few months to about three years out. Give it a name and a deadline, and the account keeps it honest.
Long-Term Goal
For retirement, a home, or education, three or more years away. These dollars can afford to grow.
Put It Together
The first three check themselves as you fill in the steps above. Tap the last one when it's true for you.
- I know my emergency fund target and current gap Checks itself
- I've named one short-term goal and its monthly target Checks itself
- I've named one long-term goal and a monthly contribution Checks itself
- My savings are split across separate accounts so I'm not tempted to mix them
Your Savings Pathway
Retirement Savings Projector
Ready to see the big picture? See how your savings could grow, and what it costs to wait.
Retirement Savings Projector
Move the sliders to see how your retirement savings could grow. Try changing your start age or monthly savings, and watch what happens to the total.
Not sure? Check your pay stub or ask HR how your match works.
Add to your monthly savings each year
Small raises each year add up. Try it and see.
Average yearly return
6% is a middle-of-the-road guess. Real returns go up and down from year to year.
Prices rise over time. This adjusts for 2.5% yearly inflation so you can see what the money might feel like today.
At 67, you could have about
$0
You put in
$0Your employer put in
$0Growth added
$0Start now vs. wait
See it year by year
For illustration and education only. This is not investment, tax, or legal advice, and results are not guaranteed. Projections assume monthly deposits, a steady average yearly return compounded monthly, and no taxes, fees, or withdrawals. Real returns go up and down. The "wait" lines assume your current savings keep growing, but new monthly savings start later. Yearly contribution limits apply to retirement accounts.
Take it with you
Printable guides to keep, share, or use offline.
