Retirement

Plan Today, Enjoy Tomorrow
Planning for retirement isn’t just about saving—it’s about building a future you can enjoy. In this section, you’ll find clear guides, tools, and strategies to help you estimate your needs, make smart investment choices, and avoid common pitfalls—so you can retire with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re decades away or nearing the finish line, your path to a secure retirement starts here.

MarginGuard Budget
Track your income and expenses to create a balanced budget and meet your financial goals.

Savings Forecast Planner
Project your future savings by entering current balance, contributions, and growth to reach your financial goals.

Retirement Gap Calculator
Estimate your future retirement income, compare to your goals, and see what’s missing so you retire with confidence.
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Saving vs. Investing: How to Use HYSAs and the S&P 500 in Your Financial Plan
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A Smarter Way to Save: Your Personal Savings Forecast Planner
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The Truth About Social Security: Why It’s Not Enough for Retirement
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Step 4: Invest 15% of Your Income for Retirement (Even $100/Month Can Make You a Millionaire)
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7 Simple Money Jumps to Take Control of Your Money
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I really need to retire?
Instead of chasing a big, scary number, start by thinking about your future monthly expenses — housing, food, healthcare, and the kind of lifestyle you want. Retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all event at age 65. For some, it’s working part-time in their 50s; for others, it’s scaling back in their 60s or 70s. The real goal is creating enough margin to cover your needs without relying on a paycheck, and that starts by knowing what your life might cost.
Is it too late to start saving for retirement in my 40s or 50s?
Not at all. While starting earlier helps, you can still make major progress by cutting expenses, boosting income, and using catch-up contributions in retirement accounts. Small, consistent action beats waiting for the perfect moment.
Will Social Security be enough to retire on?
For most people, Social Security alone won’t cover all retirement expenses. It’s designed to replace about 30–40% of your working income, so it’s best to think of it as a baseline — not your entire plan. Supplementing it with savings, part-time income, or a paid-off home makes a huge difference.
What if I don’t want to retire completely?
Retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping work — it can mean working on your own terms. Many people choose part-time work, passion projects, or seasonal jobs that give them freedom and financial flexibility.
Should I pay off my mortgage or invest more for retirement?
If you’re already saving at least 15% toward retirement, it often makes sense to focus on paying off your mortgage early. Unlike investing, paying off debt is a guaranteed return — you’re locking in the interest savings and buying peace of mind. A paid-off home also reduces your living expenses in retirement, which means you won’t need as big of a nest egg to begin with.