How to Invest 15% for Retirement
Not sure how to divide your retirement savings? Enter your income and 401(k) match, and this free calculator splits 15% across the right accounts, in the order that captures free money and tax breaks first.
Open the free 15% Investing Calculator →Free, no account, no email — your numbers stay in your browser.
The order that gets the most from every dollar
Investing 15% of your income for retirement is the goal — but where you put it matters. This calculator follows a match-first order that captures free money and tax advantages before anything else:
- 401(k) up to the employer match — this is free money; never leave it on the table.
- Max out a Roth IRA (two if you're married) — tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement.
- Back to the 401(k) up to the annual limit for more tax-advantaged space.
- A taxable brokerage account for anything left over.
See your exact split
Enter your income (and your spouse's, if married), your employer match, and your age, and the calculator shows the dollar amount that goes to each account this year — plus how much free employer match you're collecting on top of your own 15%.
Frequently asked questions
Why invest exactly 15% for retirement?
15% of gross income is a widely used target — enough to build real retirement wealth while still leaving room for other goals like paying off your home and saving for college. The calculator uses 15% but the accounts and order apply at any rate.
What order should I fund retirement accounts in?
Employer 401(k) match first (it's free money), then a Roth IRA (or two if married), then back to the 401(k) up to its limit, then a taxable brokerage. This calculator does that split for you.
How does this work for married couples?
Enter each spouse's income and employer match separately. The 15% target is based on your combined income, and the plan can fund two Roth IRAs.
Is this investing calculator free?
Yes — free and private, no account or email. Your numbers stay in your browser.