Dan Cameron

(856) 904-9932

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

Disability and Your Finances

Disability and Your Finances

In the event of an unforeseen accident or illness, disability insurance may be a good way to protect your income and savings.

The Cost of Procrastination

The Cost of Procrastination

Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.

A Primer on Dividends

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

 

Have A Question About This Topic?


Thank you! Oops!

Investing for Impact

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

The Half Million Dollar Baby

The true cost of raising a child may be far more than you expect.

Does Your Child Need to File an Income Tax Return?

When your child has income, there’s a good chance that he or she will need to report it and pay taxes.

View all articles

My Retirement Savings

See how your current savings rate and contributions may grow into retirement income.

IRA Income

Estimate the potential monthly income your IRA balance could generate in retirement.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

View all calculators

Top 5 Things to Tell Your Financial Pro

Here are the top 5 things your team may want to hear.

Timing Your Retirement

This short video illustrates the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk.

Making Your Tax Bracket Work

Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?

View all videos