For years, people have been told to take advantage of company-sponsored plans when saving for retirement. And while that's generally good guidance, especially if the company does some form of matching contribution, it can get tricky the closer you get to retirement. This calculator can help you start to see the pros and cons of taxable and tax-deferred accounts.

Tax-Deferred Account

Enter your expected contributions and returns for a tax-deferred retirement account (like a Traditional IRA or 401(k)).

These are example values. Update them to reflect your personal situation.

$
$0 $50,000
years
%

Taxable Account

Enter your expected contributions and returns for a taxable investment account (like a brokerage account).

$
$0 $50,000
years
%

For years, people have been told to take advantage of company-sponsored plans when saving for retirement. And while that's generally good guidance—especially if the company does some form of matching contribution—it can get tricky the closer you get to retirement. This calculator can help you start to see the pros and cons of taxable and tax-deferred accounts.

Your Results

Entering retirement with multiple sources of income can help some, but it may not be a best fit for all. What's best for you will depend on a variety of factors, including when you're considering drawing Social Security benefits.

Difference in After-Tax Value
$0
Tax-deferred account leaves you with more after taxes.

Tax-Deferred Account Results

Future Value (Pre-Tax)
$0
Future Value (After-Tax)
$0

Taxable Account Results

Future Value (After-Tax)
$0

The Annual Rate of Return is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments. This worksheet provides estimates based on certain assumptions, including Expected Tax Bracket During Retirement and Tax Bracket While Contributing. Please work with your tax, legal, or accounting professional for tax bracket information. The rate of return on investments will vary over time, particularly for longer-term investments. Investments that offer the potential for high returns also carry a high degree of risk. Actual returns will fluctuate.

Once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k), traditional IRA or any other defined contribution plan in most circumstances. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

 

Related Content

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.

Dreaming Up an Active Retirement

Dreaming Up an Active Retirement

When you retire, how will you treat your next chapter?

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?


Thank you! Oops!

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Practical Moves to Safeguard Your Financial Progress

Explore these strategies to help protect your purchasing power in a world of rising costs.

Estate Strategies of the Rich and Famous

The examples of famous celebrities underline the need for a clear estate strategy.

View all articles

Historical Inflation

See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.

Social Security Tax Estimator

Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax.

What Rate Would I Need to Earn on My Savings?

Work backwards from your savings goal to find the rate of return you'd need to get there.

View all calculators

Dreaming Up an Active Retirement

When you retire, how will you treat your next chapter?

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

View all videos