Blog
Tax-accurate retirement planning guides, FIRE strategies, and calculator comparisons.
Tax-Efficient Retirement Withdrawal Strategies
The optimal withdrawal strategy combines taxable account spending with Roth conversions to fill low tax brackets — saving $100,000–300,000+ vs. the conventional sequential approach.
How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Tax-Accurate Answer
The 25x rule ignores taxes. A single filer spending $60K/year needs $1.65-1.84M from a Traditional 401(k) — not $1.5M. Here's the real math.
Inherited IRA RMD: Rules for Beneficiaries
Most non-spouse beneficiaries must empty inherited IRAs within 10 years. If the original owner died after starting RMDs, annual distributions are required — effective 2025.
Roth Conversion Calculator: How Much to Convert
The optimal Roth conversion fills your lowest brackets without triggering ACA, IRMAA, or Social Security penalties. Here's the exact math.
When to Claim Social Security: Break-Even Analysis
The pre-tax break-even for claiming SS at 62 vs. 70 is age 80. After accounting for how benefits interact with other income for taxes, that number shifts by 6-12 months.
RMD Calculator: Required Minimum Distributions Explained
Divide your December 31 account balance by the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor for your age. At 73, the factor is 26.5 — a $500K IRA owes an $18,868 RMD.
Coast FIRE Calculator: When Can You Stop Saving?
Coast FIRE is the point where your existing investments will grow to cover retirement without additional contributions. Here's how to calculate yours.
Roth Conversion Ladder: Complete Guide for Early Retirees
A Roth conversion ladder lets you access pre-tax retirement funds before 59½ without penalties. Here's the strategy, the math, and the tax traps to avoid.
Why Most Retirement Calculators Get Taxes Wrong
Most retirement calculators use flat tax rates or ignore taxes entirely. Here's what they miss and why it costs you tens of thousands in bad planning.
The 4% Rule Is Wrong: What Monte Carlo Shows
The 4% rule was designed for 30-year retirements. Monte Carlo simulation shows a 15-20% failure rate over 50 years. Here's what actually works for early retirees.