Compound Lane Every number sourced

Retirement Accounts

The tax-advantaged accounts that do the heavy lifting: 401(k)s, IRAs, employer matches, and rollovers. Learn the mechanics and the math.

7 guides in this topic

Articles

Retirement Accounts

Roth IRA Income Limits: The 2026 Math

how do roth ira income limits work in 2026? Full $7,500 under $153K single or $242K joint, phased to $168K/$252K — MAGI, phase-out math, and backdoor options.

August 20, 2026
Retirement Accounts

401(k) Vesting: What You Keep

How does 401k vesting work if I leave my job? Your own money is always yours; the employer match may not be. Cliff vs graded schedules, explained simply.

August 18, 2026
Retirement Accounts

How to Open a Roth IRA Step by Step

How to open a Roth IRA step by step: pick a brokerage, fund it, choose low-cost investments, and understand the 2026 limits and income rules. Sourced.

August 17, 2026
Retirement Accounts

401(k) or Brokerage: Max Out First?

Should I max out my 401k or invest in a brokerage account? The priority math: match first, then Roth, then 401(k) vs taxable, with 2026 numbers sourced.

August 18, 2026
Retirement Accounts

Traditional vs Roth IRA: Which Is Better?

Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA which is better for me? Compare tax now vs later with 2026 limits, deduction ranges, and plain-English math — every number sourced.

August 26, 2026
Retirement Accounts

Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs

What happens to my 401k when I change jobs? Your 4 options: leave it, roll it over, cash out, or transfer — with the rollover deadlines and tax traps of each.

August 18, 2026
Retirement Accounts

Target Date Funds: Are They Right for You?

What is a target date fund and is it right for me? One fund that rebalances itself as you age — the 2026 fees, the glide path, and when to DIY. Sourced.

August 18, 2026

Free tools

Related topics

How we verify every number →