US Guide Hub: US Retirement Guide

  For many employees, a workplace 401(k) and an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) are the main tools for saving for retirement. You can use both in the same year, but they have different contribution limits, tax rules, investment choices, and withdrawal rules. A practical starting point is often to contribute enough to a workplace 401(k) to receive the full employer match, if one is offered. After that, an IRA may provide additional tax-advantaged savings and potentially more investment choices. The right order depends on your plan fees, employer match, income, tax bracket, emergency savings, and retirement goals. For a broader overview of how workplace accounts, IRAs, and Social Security can work together, see Social Security, 401(k), and IRA Coordination . Key Difference A 401(k) is offered through an employer. An IRA is opened by you with an eligible financial institution. A 401(k) generally has higher annual contribution li...

Retirement planning often involves several different systems at the same time: Social Security, workplace retirement plans such as a 401(k), and individual retirement accounts such as a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA. Each account has different rules for taxes, contribution limits, withdrawals, and eligibility. This guide explains the key 2026 rules in plain language and provides a practical checklist for reviewing your own retirement plan. Important Note Retirement decisions depend on income, taxes, health, household needs, employer-plan rules, and future goals. This article explains general rules and is not a personal investment, tax, or financial recommendation. 1. Social Security Is One Part of Your Retirement Income Social Security retirement benefits are based mainly on your earnings history and the age when you begin receiving benefits. Social Security generally uses your highest 35 years of indexed earnings when calculating your retirement benefit. I...