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Retirement Savings

Contribution limits, account types, and tax treatment.

Traditional IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty vs 401(k) Early Withdrawal: Which Costs Less

November 6, 2026October 28, 2026 by L. Leonard
Man deliberating at his home desk

Traditional IRA vs 401(k) early withdrawal penalty: both cost 10%, but exceptions differ. See which account saves you more before age 59½.

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401(k) Hardship Withdrawal vs 401(k) Loan: Which Costs You Less

November 6, 2026October 21, 2026 by L. Leonard
Man weighing a decision at his home desk

401(k) loan vs hardship withdrawal: compare taxes, penalties, and long-term costs to see which option truly costs you less in retirement savings.

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72(t) SEPP Withdrawals: How to Access Retirement Funds Early Without Penalty

November 6, 2026October 17, 2026 by L. Leonard
Man considering his options at his kitchen counter

Learn how 72(t) SEPP withdrawals let you tap retirement funds before 59½ penalty-free—plus the strict rules and risks you must know first.

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Backdoor Roth IRA: How It Works and Who Should Use It

November 6, 2026October 10, 2026 by L. Leonard
Man working at a laptop in his home office

Learn how a backdoor Roth IRA works, 2026 income limits, the pro-rata rule, and who should use this strategy to grow tax-free retirement savings.

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SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k): Which Is Better for the Self-Employed

November 6, 2026October 10, 2026 by L. Leonard
Self-employed woman working at her studio desk

SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k): see which plan lets the self-employed save more, offers Roth options, and fits your income level best.

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Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): How to Give From Your IRA Tax-Free

November 6, 2026October 9, 2026 by L. Leonard
Older woman volunteering at a community centre

Learn how a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) lets retirees give from their IRA tax-free, satisfy RMDs, and maximize charitable giving benefits.

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403(b) vs 401(k): Which Retirement Plan Wins for Teachers and Government Workers

November 6, 2026September 12, 2026 by L. Leonard
Teacher standing in her classroom after the school day

403(b) vs 401(k) compared: contribution limits, fees, vesting, and vendor pitfalls teachers and nonprofit workers need to know before choosing.

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IRA Contribution Limits 2026: Traditional vs Roth by Age

November 6, 2026September 7, 2026 by L. Leonard
Woman working at a standing desk in a bright apartment

2026 IRA contribution limits by age: Traditional vs Roth rules, catch-up amounts, income phase-outs, and how to pick the right account for your tax bracket.

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Saver’s Credit: How to Get a Tax Break for Retirement Contributions

November 6, 2026September 7, 2026 by L. Leonard
Young retail worker taking a break during a shift

Learn how the Saver’s Credit can cut your tax bill by up to $1,000 ($2,000 married) for retirement contributions—see who qualifies and how to claim it.

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Inherited IRA Rules: How Much You Must Withdraw and When

November 6, 2026September 4, 2026 by L. Leonard
Woman sitting in quiet thought at her dining table

Inherited an IRA? Learn the 10-year rule, RMD requirements, and beneficiary categories to avoid costly IRS penalties on your withdrawals.

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