⚠️ This calculator only provides retirement savings estimates. Results are not official financial or tax advice. Consult a licensed CPA / fiduciary financial advisor for long-term retirement planning.
Interactive timeline with 60+ action items — track your progress from 10+ years out to your first year of retirement.
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10+ Years Out
Build the Foundation
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5 Years Out
Sharpen the Plan
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2 Years Out
Finalize the Details
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1 Year Out
Lock It In
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At Retirement
Execute the Transition
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Year 1
Settle In & Adjust
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start my pre-retirement checklist?
The earlier the better. The 10+ years section covers foundational steps (maxing out 401(k), building emergency fund, checking SS earnings record) that compound over time. Starting at least 10 years out gives you the most leverage.
What's the biggest mistake people make before retiring?
Underestimating healthcare costs and not having a written withdrawal strategy. Many retirees also claim Social Security at 62 without modeling the lifetime trade-off — use our Social Security Calculator to compare.
How much should I have saved 5 years before retirement?
A common rule of thumb is 10–12× your final pre-retirement income. But the better approach is to calculate your target number directly: estimate retirement expenses, subtract Social Security/pension, and multiply the gap by 25 (the 4% rule). Use our Nest Egg Planner to run your numbers.
Should I pay off my mortgage before retiring?
It depends on your rate. If your mortgage rate is below 4%, keeping the mortgage and investing the surplus often math-wins. If the rate is above 6%, paying it off may give you a guaranteed tax-free return. Run both scenarios with our Nest Egg Planner.
When do RMDs start in 2026?
Under SECURE 2.0: if you were born in 1951–1959, RMDs start at age 73. If born in 1960 or later, RMDs start at age 75. The first RMD must be taken by April 1 of the year after you reach the required age. Check your RMD date here.
Can I retire before 59½ without the 10% penalty?
Yes. Strategies include: Rule 72(t) SEPP (substantially equal periodic payments), withdrawing Roth contribution basis (always tax/penalty-free), using a Roth conversion ladder (wait 5 years after conversion), or using taxable brokerage accounts. See our Early Withdrawal Calculator.