retirement tools

How much do you need for retirement?

Fidelity Retirement Planner – great, interactive tool for determining what you need for retirement. Recommend this to everyone!

Yahoo Finance Retirement Calculator – for all you no frills, spreadsheet lovers

Kiplinger’s Retirement Savings Calculator – probably the most accurate of the three, asking specific questions and making fewer assumptions.

What should your asset allocation be?

Bankrate Asset Allocation Calculator – uses a sliding scale of 7 different variables and recommends an asset allocation.  Remember, this is just a recommendation – asset allocation is much more art than science.  I still recommend you get advice from an investment professional when making retirement investments.

Impact of Increasing/Decreasing Contributions

Yahoo Finance 401K Calculator – this tool allows you to quickly see what an increase or decrease in contributions can do to your 401K balance.  Amazing what a slight increase can do for your future balance!

Mutual Fund/Stock Selector

Morningstar.com – requires a free membership, but the most comprehensive site when evaluating mutual funds and stocks.  As mentioned earlier, please get professional advice when selecting mutual funds and stocks.