How the projection works
Your yearly contribution is split into 12 monthly deposits and grows at the annual return, compounded monthly. Each year’s contribution is capped at the 2026 limit for your age — $7,500, or $8,600 from age 50. Future limits are held at 2026 levels, so the projection is slightly conservative.
B is today’s balance, C the monthly contribution, i the monthly return and m the number of months until retirement.
2026 income limits
| Filing status | Full contribution | Reduced | None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, head of household | Under $153,000 | $153,000–$168,000 | $168,000+ |
| Married filing jointly | Under $242,000 | $242,000–$252,000 | $252,000+ |
| Married filing separately* | — | $0–$10,000 | $10,000+ |
*If you lived with your spouse at any time during the year. Within the reduced range, the allowed amount shrinks in proportion to how far your income is into the range, rounded up to the next $10, with a $200 minimum.
Why the Roth is worth more than the number suggests
A $500,000 Roth balance and a $500,000 traditional 401(k) balance are not the same money. Every dollar in the Roth is yours to spend; the traditional balance still owes income tax on withdrawal. Qualified Roth withdrawals also do not count toward the income that makes Social Security benefits taxable, and Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions for the original owner.
To combine this with workplace savings, see the 401(k) calculator; to test whether everything together covers the income you want, use the retirement savings calculator.
Common questions
How much can I contribute to a Roth IRA in 2026?
Up to $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older, across all your IRAs combined — and no more than your earned income for the year. The limit shrinks once your modified AGI passes $153,000 (single) or $242,000 (married filing jointly).
What makes a withdrawal “qualified”?
You must be at least 59½ and your first Roth IRA contribution must have been made at least five tax years earlier. Qualified withdrawals of both contributions and earnings are tax-free. Your own contributions can be withdrawn at any time without tax or penalty; earnings taken early may be taxed and penalized.
What if my income is too high?
You can still contribute to a traditional IRA and convert it to a Roth, often called a backdoor Roth. Conversions can trigger tax if you hold other pre-tax IRA money, so it is worth running the numbers with a tax professional first.
Roth IRA or 401(k) first?
A common order: contribute to the 401(k) up to the full employer match, then fund a Roth IRA, then go back to the 401(k). The IRA usually offers more investment choices and lower fees, while the match is free money.
Sources
- IRS — 2026 IRA limit increases to $7,500
- IRS — Roth IRAs: eligibility and qualified distributions
- IRS Publication 590-A — Contributions to IRAs
Results are estimates for educational use and are not financial, tax or legal advice. Confirm figures with your lender, plan administrator or a tax professional before you act. Spotted an error? Tell us.