Retirement

Enrolling in Medicare seems straightforward — until you miss a window, get hit with a late penalty, or pick the wrong supplement plan. Here is a practical guide to the key decisions every retiree faces.

The median American aged 55–64 has $185,000 in retirement savings. 28% have nothing at all. Here are the most current retirement savings statistics, organized by age, account type, and income.

See how your 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) will grow by retirement. Factor in employer match, contribution limits, and taxes to find out if your plan will cover your expenses.

The 2026 401(k) contribution limit is $24,500, with an $8,000 catch-up for those 50+. Workers aged 60–63 get an enhanced $11,250 catch-up under SECURE 2.0.

Retirement is not a single decision — it is a cascade of decisions across finances, healthcare, legal documents, and lifestyle. This checklist covers the 20 most important confirmations to make before your last day at work.