Retirement Planning

Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, Traditional and Roth IRA, and other retirement options for the self-employed.

18 guides

A gravel path splitting into two branches through a green wooded area

Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed: The Complete 2026 Guide

Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, IRA or a defined benefit plan: 2026 limits, who each one fits, and how to choose, with links to every detailed guide.

8 min readRead →

An empty wooden park bench with iron armrests standing among fallen orange leaves under autumn trees

Social Security for Freelancers: How Your Net Profit Becomes a Future Benefit

Self-employment tax earns you Social Security credits and sets your benefit. How credits work in 2026, and what each $1,000 of net profit adds.

9 min readRead →

A rusty old iron key lying on a dark, weathered wooden surface

Can You Borrow From a Solo 401(k)? The Loan Rules and the Freelancer Trap

A Solo 401(k) can allow loans of up to $50,000 or half your balance, repaid within five years. See the limits and what a missed payment costs.

8 min readRead →

A young green plant growing out of a small pile of copper and silver coins on a white surface

The Saver's Credit for Freelancers: Up to $1,000 Back for Retirement Savings in 2026

The 2026 Saver's Credit income limits, which freelancer contributions count, and how a Traditional deferral can move you into a bigger credit tier.

8 min readRead →

A dirt path splitting in two across a green park, with a row of leafy trees beside it

Roth vs. Traditional Solo 401(k): What the Choice Costs You in 2026

Roth and Traditional deferrals share one $24,500 limit. See what each costs in tax this year, how Roth money is taxed, and how to compare them.

7 min readRead →

A dirt path covered in autumn leaves winding through a misty forest of birch and oak trees

How to Open a Solo 401(k) in 2026: Step by Step

Who can open one, the steps in order, the 2026 deadlines to adopt the plan and fund it, when Form 5500-EZ applies, and what to ask a provider.

9 min readRead →

A glass jar of silver coins with a small green plant growing out of it, on a wooden table

Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026

The 2026 Solo 401(k) limits in one place: $24,500 as the employee, an employer share, a $72,000 plan limit and catch-up on top, with examples by income.

6 min readRead →

An older person's hands dropping a coin into a yellow piggy bank, with short stacks of coins on a wooden table

Does a Solo 401(k) Reduce Self-Employment Tax?

For a sole proprietor, no. A Solo 401(k) lowers your income tax, not self-employment tax. Why, and an $80,000 example with and without a contribution.

8 min readRead →

A brass-based hourglass with white sand on a weathered wooden table, seen from above

SEP IRA Deadline: Can You Still Contribute for 2025?

The extended deadline for 2025 SEP IRA and Solo 401(k) contributions was October 15, 2026. What that means now, and the dates that apply to 2026.

5 min readRead →

A small white and red model house with a set of house keys on a wooden table

Solo 401(k) for Real Estate Agents: $39,370 on $80K Profit

What a real estate agent can put in a Solo 401(k) in 2026: commission-based math, S-corp rules, irregular income and the mistakes agents make.

8 min readRead →

A deep blue ocean wave cresting under a sky of soft golden clouds

Saving for Retirement on Irregular Income: The 18.6% Rule

A practical system for freelancers whose income swings: save a percentage as you're paid, then use the IRS deadlines after year-end to decide how much goes into a SEP, Solo 401(k) or IRA, once you know how the year went.

5 min readRead →

A small green seedling growing out of a scattered pile of copper and silver coins

Roth IRA for Freelancers 2026: When Roth Beats the Deduction

The 2026 Roth IRA contribution limit ($7,500, plus $1,100 at 50+), the income phase-outs, how self-employment income counts, and a worked example of when a Roth beats a traditional IRA for a freelancer.

8 min readRead →

Five stacks of copper and gold-colored coins of increasing height on a white surface

SEP IRA Contribution Limits 2026: Why It's 20%, Not 25%

How a SEP IRA works for freelancers and sole proprietors, the 2026 limit ($72,000 or 20% of adjusted net earnings), deadlines, and a worked $100,000 example showing the contribution and the tax it saves.

4 min readRead →

A vintage cream-colored balance scale with a brass weighing pan on a shop counter

Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA: $24,500 More Room at $100K Profit

A side-by-side comparison of the two main self-employed retirement plans: 2026 limits, deadlines, paperwork, Roth options, and how much each lets you contribute at six income levels.

5 min readRead →

Printed paper forms and a black pen on a beige desk, next to a white ceramic vase and a keyboard

Do I Need an EIN for a Solo 401(k)? Usually, and It's Free

Usually yes, and it's normally your business's own EIN. The IRS requires the employer's EIN on your plan's paperwork and won't accept a Social Security number there. Some providers also ask for a separate EIN for the plan's trust.

7 min readRead →

A glass jar tipped on its side with US coins spilling out onto a white table

Can You Have a SEP IRA and a 401(k) at the Same Time?

Yes. A SEP IRA and a 401(k) at your job have separate limits. With a Solo 401(k) in the same business, one limit is shared. 2026 examples.

6 min readRead →

An open laptop on a wooden desk under a black desk lamp at night, with city lights in the window behind

Solo 401(k) and a 401(k) at Work: How to Split the $24,500

Yes, but your employee deferral limit is shared between both plans, not doubled. How the IRS splits it, with a worked example.

5 min readRead →

Two gold wedding bands resting together on a white tablecloth

Can My Spouse Join My Solo 401(k)? Yes, If They Earn From It

Yes, if the business pays your spouse. Each of you gets your own $24,500 deferral limit, and the plan stays a simplified one-participant plan. Worked 2026 household examples.

8 min readRead →