your first job

$250 a month into a Roth IRA from 22 adds $435K to the first-job plan by 65.

The 401K is the form at work. The IRA is the account you open yourself, and the planner runs both. $3,000 a year from 22, in today's dollars, grows to $435K more by 65.

You asked for the link. The planner every chart came from is one tap away; the slides are below if you want them again.

Open the planner Type in one paycheck. About three minutes, in the browser.

Slide 1 of 6: $250 a month into a Roth IRA from 22 adds $435K to the first-job plan by 65.

Slide 2 of 6: The 401K alone, and the 401K plus $250 a month.

Slide 3 of 6: What $250 a month becomes.

Slide 4 of 6: A 401K comes with your employer's fund list and match. An IRA is the account you choose yourself.

Opening one takes about ten minutes.

01
Pick a broker and open a Roth IRA.The form asks for a name, an address, and a bank account.
02
Set an automatic monthly transfer.The amount matters less than the habit. The planner shows what any amount does.
03
Put it in the planner beside the 401K.The IRA line is under Savings. Two lines on the chart, one gap.

Where to go next

Retire Plan

Type in one paycheck and it runs your plan through every year of market history since 1871, with the taxes worked out. About three minutes, in the browser.

Open it

Sources: The first-job plan: $60,000 at 22 with 3% raises, 6% into a 401K with a 3% match, 5% real return, 2026 dollars, expected path. IRA contributions raised with inflation.; Engine output, expected path, 5% real return, 2026 dollars..

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