The average IRA holds $205,238 per owner, per IRS tax data, rising to $392,867 at ages 70-74. Average Roth IRA: $57,450. Medians, Roth vs traditional, by age.

Oct 4, 202612 min read

Retirement Planning

Average Retirement Age: When Americans Actually Retire, and What Each Age Costs

Retirees report a median retirement age of 62; workers expect 65 (EBRI 2026). Social Security claiming ages, full retirement age, and the cost of each age.

Oct 4, 202612 min read

Investing Basics

Average Stock Market Return: About 10% a Year Since 1928, and What That Really Means

The S&P 500 has returned 10.0% a year compounded since 1928 with dividends, 6.8% after inflation. Plus recent returns, down years, and the average 401(k) return.

Oct 4, 202611 min read

Retirement Planning

Backdoor Roth IRA: How It Works in 2026, Step by Step

Earn $168,000+ single or $252,000+ joint in 2026? A backdoor Roth still gets $7,500 into a Roth IRA. Steps, pro-rata math, Form 8606, mega backdoor.

Oct 4, 202613 min read

Retirement Planning

Coast FIRE: The Number That Lets You Stop Saving for Retirement

Coast FIRE means you have invested enough that growth alone reaches your retirement number. The formula, a calculator, and what it takes at ages 25 to 50.

Oct 4, 202610 min read

Retirement Planning

Federal Pay Raise 2027: A Proposed Freeze for Civilians, and What Could Still Change

The 2027 federal pay raise is 0% for civilians under the President's plan, vs 3.1% plus locality by formula. Military: 5-7% proposed. Not final yet.

Oct 4, 202611 min read