RetireReady — Free Retirement Calculator with 2026 Tax Data, Social Security & RMD Planning
Free Retirement Planning Tool — 2026 Tax Data

See your retirement in today's dollars

The only free retirement calculator that adjusts for inflation, applies real 2026 IRS tax brackets, and models Social Security, pensions, RMDs, and all 7 major account types.

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2026 IRS Tax Brackets Inflation-Adjusted Projections Social Security & RMD Planning No Sign-Up Required
Why RetireReady

Most calculators show you a misleading number

A million dollars in 2045 is not a million dollars today. Taxes change. Inflation erodes. Most retirement calculators ignore this. RetireReady does not.

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Inflation-Adjusted Values

Every projection is shown in today's purchasing power using your chosen inflation rate. See what your nest egg will actually buy, not just what it will say on paper.

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Real 2026 Tax Brackets

Uses the actual 2026 IRS tax schedules for both Single and Married filers. Calculates your true tax liability on every withdrawal — ordinary income and capital gains separately.

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Tax-Optimized Withdrawals

Automatically sequences withdrawals to minimize your lifetime tax burden: taxable accounts first, then Traditional/401(k), then HSA, then Roth last.

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RMD Planning

Required Minimum Distributions modeled from age 73 using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. Roth 401(k) correctly excluded per the SECURE 2.0 Act.

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Social Security & Pension

Input your estimated Social Security benefit and pension income. SS is COLA-adjusted automatically. Up to 85% taxability calculated using the IRS provisional income formula.

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Year-by-Year Projection

A full table showing every retirement year — balance, inflation-adjusted real value, guaranteed income, RMD, estimated tax, and after-tax spending power.

How It Works

Three steps to real clarity

No spreadsheets. No advisor required. Just the numbers — honestly.

01

Enter Your Details

Add your current age, retirement target, account balances across all 7 account types, Social Security estimate, pension income, and expected retirement spending.

02

See Your Real Numbers

Instantly see your nest egg in today's dollars, your lifetime tax burden broken down by account type, average after-tax annual income, and exactly when RMDs begin.

03

Adjust Until It Works

Drag any slider or type any value. Every projection updates live. Find the contribution level, retirement age, and spending combination that keeps you on track.

Account Types Supported

All 7 major retirement accounts — correctly taxed

Each account has a different tax treatment at withdrawal. RetireReady models all of them accurately so your projection reflects reality.

401(k) / 403(b)
Pre-tax · Ordinary income

Employer-sponsored plans. Contributions reduce taxable income now. Subject to RMDs at age 73.

Roth 401(k)
After-tax · Tax-free growth

After-tax contributions. Tax-free withdrawals. No RMDs per the SECURE 2.0 Act. Same contribution limits as traditional 401(k).

Traditional IRA
Pre-tax · Ordinary income

Tax-deductible contributions (subject to income limits). Taxable at withdrawal. Subject to RMDs at 73.

Roth IRA
After-tax · Tax-free growth

After-tax contributions. Qualified withdrawals completely tax-free. No RMDs during your lifetime. 2026 limit: $7,500.

HSA
Triple tax-free advantage

Pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, tax-free medical withdrawals. After 65, any withdrawal qualifies. 2026 limit: $4,400 individual.

Taxable Brokerage
Capital gains rates apply

No contribution limits. Gains taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% capital gains rates depending on income. Withdrawn first in the optimal sequence.

Social Security
0–85% taxable

COLA-adjusted automatically. Taxability calculated using the IRS provisional income formula. 2026 max: $4,152/month at FRA 67.

Pension
Fully taxable income

Fixed nominal income modeled as fully taxable ordinary income. Reduces account withdrawals needed and factors into SS provisional income.

Free vs. Premium

Start free. Upgrade when you're ready.

The free calculator gives you a solid foundation. Premium shows you the full picture.

Feature
Free
✦ Premium
Nest egg projection
✓ Basic
✓ Inflation-adjusted
Lifetime savings chart
✓ Included
✓ With compounding gap
Account types supported
— Single balance
✓ All 7 accounts
2026 IRS tax brackets
— Not included
✓ Fully modeled
Social Security & pension
— Not included
✓ With taxability calc
RMD planning
— Not included
✓ IRS table, age 73
HSA & Roth 401(k)
— Not included
✓ Fully modeled
Year-by-year table
— Not included
✓ Full detail
2026 key limits reference
— Not included
✓ Built in
Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about retirement planning

What is the 4% rule in retirement planning?
The 4% rule is a guideline suggesting that retirees can withdraw 4% of their portfolio in the first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation each year, with a historically high probability of not running out of money over a 30-year retirement. It is a starting point, not a guarantee — actual results depend on investment returns, inflation, taxes, and spending patterns.
When do Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) start?
Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, Required Minimum Distributions from Traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans must begin at age 73. Roth 401(k) plans are now exempt from RMDs (effective 2024). Roth IRAs have never been subject to RMDs during the account owner's lifetime. Failing to take your RMD results in a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn.
How much of my Social Security income is taxable?
Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax depending on your provisional income. Provisional income = your adjusted gross income (excluding Social Security) + tax-exempt interest + 50% of your SS benefit. If your provisional income is below $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (married), none of your benefits are taxed. Between $25,000–$34,000 (single) or $32,000–$44,000 (married), up to 50% is taxable. Above those thresholds, up to 85% is taxable.
What is the difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?
A Traditional IRA uses pre-tax contributions — you may get a tax deduction now but pay income taxes when you withdraw in retirement. A Roth IRA uses after-tax contributions — no deduction now, but all qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free, including all investment growth. Roth IRAs also have no Required Minimum Distributions during your lifetime. The 2026 contribution limit for both is $7,500 ($8,600 with catch-up at age 50+).
Why is an HSA considered a great retirement account?
An HSA is triple tax-advantaged: contributions are pre-tax (reducing your taxable income), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are completely tax-free. After age 65, you can withdraw for any purpose — non-medical withdrawals are simply taxed as ordinary income, just like a Traditional IRA. Since retirees typically have significant medical expenses (Medicare premiums, copays, dental, vision), HSA funds are often used entirely tax-free in retirement.
What is the optimal withdrawal order in retirement?
The tax-optimized withdrawal sequence is generally: (1) Required Minimum Distributions from Traditional IRA/401(k) first — these are mandatory. (2) Taxable brokerage accounts next — gains are taxed at lower capital gains rates. (3) Traditional IRA and 401(k) — taxed as ordinary income. (4) HSA — tax-free for medical expenses. (5) Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) last — completely tax-free. This sequence minimizes lifetime taxes and preserves the most tax-advantaged accounts for as long as possible.
How does inflation affect retirement savings?
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. At 2.8% average inflation, $1 million at retirement in 25 years is worth only about $500,000 in today's dollars. This means your retirement projections should always account for inflation — looking at nominal (face value) numbers alone gives a misleadingly optimistic picture. RetireReady shows all projections in today's dollars so you can make accurate planning decisions.

Your retirement is coming. Know the real number.

Stop guessing with nominal figures. See what you'll actually have — in today's dollars, after taxes.

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Educational tool only — not financial advice. Tax laws change and individual circumstances vary. Consult a licensed financial advisor or CPA before making major retirement decisions.
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