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US360 — Your Complete Guide to America

Money path · Intermediate

Retirement Planning

How American retirement accounts work, why capturing an employer match matters more than almost anything else, and how to project the long term.

28 min · 2 lessons

Editorial review status

Recently Updated

This guide has recently been updated to reflect new information, policy changes, or improved guidance.

Last reviewed
June 30, 2026
Last updated
July 14, 2026
Next review
December 30, 2026
Reviewed by
US360 Money Desk
Review frequency
Every 6 months

Why this status matters

US360 regularly reviews high-value content to improve accuracy, clarity, and usefulness. Topics that change frequently receive more frequent editorial reviews.

Overview

What you’ll be able to do

Employer plans, individual accounts, employer match, and the long compounding horizon.

Level
Intermediate
Lessons
2
Estimated time
28 min
Topic
Personal Finance
  • A contribution rate that captures the full employer match
  • A projected balance and income replacement estimate
  • An annual review routine

Recommended order

Your reading plan

Work through the lessons in order — progress is saved on your device and will move to your account when member features launch.

  1. 01

    Understand account types and tax treatment

    Pre-tax versus post-tax contributions and why the choice matters.

    15 min

  2. 02

    Capture the employer match

    Vesting schedules and the cost of contributing below the match.

    13 min

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Frequently asked questions

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