Where your next dollar goes
Your income, age and state decide which accounts you can use and whether Roth or Traditional saves you more. Nothing you type leaves this page.
Your answers Change any of them and everything below updates, or answer the questions again
If you follow the steps below
- Your money after tax
- If returns run 2 points a year lower or higher
- What you put in
Which accounts it sits in at 59½
How to get there
What you'll buy
| Ticker | What it is | Share | Yearly fee |
|---|
Inside a 401(k) you pick from your plan's menu instead: its lowest-cost index funds in these shares, or one target-date index fund for the year you turn 65.
Buying a home in the next 5 years? Keep that money out of this plan. Take the match, then save the down payment in a high-yield savings account, then come back. Thanks. We're deciding whether to add a house step, and this helps.
Done. You're set.
Your money now goes in on its own. Check back once a year, on the same day, and leave it alone in between. If your job, income or family changes, update your answers at the top.
What to do when the market drops
Buy me dinner when your net worth goes up by ten grand. - Oliver
Why this order
What $1,000 a year in each step is worth at 59½
After tax, in today's money, at your tax rates. Each dollar goes to the step where it's worth the most, until that step is full.
Roth or Traditional?
What would change the answer
Change the assumptions above to test any of these.
Every account's rules, side by side
| Account | Tax now | Tax later | 2026 limit | Taking it out | For you |
|---|
Returns: the 90/10 mix at 6.24% a year after inflation (Damodaran, 1928-2025). Limits: 2026 (IRS Notice 2025-67, Rev. Proc. 2025-19). Taxes: federal and state income tax on your gross pay, no local taxes or credits. Pre-tax 401(k) and HSA money lowers the income the IRS checks, so you may qualify for more Roth than shown. Education, not personal advice.
Fill in your age, income and filing status to see your answer.