Retirement paycheck planner
A simplified educational plan: cash bucket, taxable, traditional, Roth, HSA. Real planning involves tax-bracket smoothing, IRMAA, and RMDs.
| Bucket | Educational draw | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cash bucket (1 year) | $50,000 | Smooths sequence-of-returns risk during the first year. |
| Taxable brokerage | $21,000 | Long-term capital gains rates and step-up basis. |
| Traditional 401(k) / IRA | $27,000 | Fill lower brackets; consider Roth conversions in low-income years. |
| Roth IRA | $6,000 | Tax-free; preserve for late-life or heirs unless needed for IRMAA management. |
| HSA (qualified medical) | $3,000 | Triple tax-advantaged when used for qualified medical. |
Want this tied to your real numbers?
Create a free account and we'll plug your profile in automatically — and place this tool inside your full roadmap.
FAQ
- Is there a single right withdrawal order?
- No. The right order depends on tax brackets, ACA/IRMAA thresholds, RMD timing, and longevity. The classic default is taxable → traditional → Roth, with Roth conversions in low-income gap years.
- When should I take Social Security?
- Delaying past full retirement age increases benefits ~8%/year up to 70. Couples often coordinate one early and one delayed. Health, longevity, and other income drive the decision.
- What is IRMAA?
- Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. Higher modified AGI in retirement raises Medicare premiums two years later. It is one of several reasons to manage realized income carefully.
Related calculators
Educational guidance only. Not legal, tax, or individualized investment advice. We do not recommend individual securities or guarantee outcomes.