Guides
Guides to planning an early retirement
Plain-English explanations of the moves that matter most when you retire early: getting at retirement money before 59½, keeping health insurance affordable, and knowing how much is enough.
The Roth conversion ladder, explained
How to reach 401(k) and IRA money before 59½ penalty-free: the 5-year clock, the tax cost, and the five-year bridge.
The ACA subsidy cliff in 2026, for early retirees
Where the 400% FPL line is in 2026, what counts toward it, and how early retirees keep their premium tax credit.
Rule of 55 vs. 72(t): getting at retirement money early
Who qualifies for the Rule of 55, how 72(t) SEPP payments are calculated, and the mistakes that bring the penalty back.
What your Monte Carlo success rate really means
What the percentage measures, what a sensible target is, and the assumptions that quietly move it.
How to work out your FI number
Why 25× spending is only a starting point, and how taxes, healthcare and Social Security change the real target.