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Retirement Savings Calculator

Model 401(k) or IRA contributions, employer matching, and salary growth over time

Projected Balance at 65
$1,520,262
After 35 years of saving
Your Contributions $224,975
Employer Match $112,488
Investment Gains $1,157,800
Starting Balance $25,000
Years to Retirement 35 years
Monthly Income (4% Rule) $5,068
Annual Income in Retirement $60,811

Retirement Savings Growth

Retirement Savings Projection

Understanding 401(k)s and employer matching is key to building a secure retirement nest egg.

Free Money: Employer Match

An employer match is essentially free money added to your retirement account. Always contribute enough to get the full match.

  • Common match: 50% of contributions up to 6% of salary.
  • Some employers offer 100% match or higher limits.
  • Vesting schedules may apply - check your plan details.
  • Not taking the full match is leaving money on the table.

2026 Contribution Limits

The IRS sets annual retirement-account limits and may change them by tax year. For 2026, the employee contribution limit for most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457, and federal Thrift Savings Plan participants is $24,500. The general catch-up limit for eligible participants age 50 or older is $8,000, so the general combined employee amount is $32,500 when eligible. A higher $11,250 catch-up limit applies in 2026 to eligible participants ages 60–63. The IRA contribution limit is $7,500, and the IRA catch-up limit for eligible people age 50 or older is $1,100. Plan terms, compensation limits, eligibility, and other rules may apply; check current IRS guidance and your plan administrator.

  • 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457, and federal Thrift Savings Plan employee limit: $24,500 in 2026 for most eligible participants.
  • General age-50+ catch-up: $8,000, for a general combined employee amount of $32,500 when eligible.
  • Age 60–63 catch-up: $11,250 in 2026 for eligible participants.
  • IRA limit: $7,500, with a $1,100 catch-up for eligible people age 50 or older.

Tax Advantages

Understanding the tax benefits of retirement accounts helps you choose the right strategy.

  • Traditional 401(k): Tax-deferred growth, taxed at withdrawal.
  • Roth 401(k): After-tax contributions, tax-free growth.
  • Lower tax bracket now? Consider Roth.
  • Higher tax bracket now? Traditional may be better.