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401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with employer match.
Enter values to see your result
Frequently asked questions
Should I max my 401(k)?
At minimum, contribute enough to get the full employer match — that's free money. Beyond that, maxing ($23k in 2024) is ideal if you don't need the cash, as it reduces taxable income.
Traditional 401(k) vs Roth 401(k)?
Traditional = pre-tax contributions (lower tax now, taxed on withdrawal). Roth = post-tax (no tax break now, tax-free growth and withdrawal). Young + growing income favours Roth; high-bracket current + lower retirement bracket favours Traditional.
What if I change jobs?
Options: (1) leave it, (2) roll over to new employer's 401(k), (3) roll over to an IRA (more investment options), (4) cash out (bad — 10% penalty if <59½ + income tax).
What return rate is realistic?
S&P 500 historical: ~10% nominal / ~7% real. A 60/40 stock-bond allocation returns ~7% nominal. Target-date funds adjust automatically as you age.