Lewis Loon
Founder, RetirePro
Lewis Loon is the founder of RetirePro and DividendPro. A self-taught planner who got tired of free calculators that only showed one smooth "average" growth line, he built RetirePro to answer the question most tools dodge: will my money actually last? RetirePro uses 1,000 Monte Carlo simulations, real RMD tables, Social Security formulas, and tax-aware withdrawal logic — and every assumption is published on the methodology page so anyone can verify the math. No products to sell, no commissions, no jargon. Just a clear picture. He also built DividendPro with the same philosophy: reliable, transparent income projections for everyday dividend investors.
Articles by Lewis(71)
Your Retirement Readiness Score: 7 Numbers That Matter More Than Net Worth
Net worth alone does not mean you can retire. Use these 7 readiness numbers — savings rate, gap income, withdrawal rate, success probability, and more — to score your plan before you quit.
Social Security at 62 vs 70: The Real Lifetime Cost (With Your Numbers)
Claiming Social Security at 62 can reduce benefits for life. See the real lifetime tradeoff vs 67 and 70, break-even ages, spousal impact, and how to check the decision against your full retirement plan.
Will My Retirement Money Last? Run This Monte Carlo Check Before You Quit
Averages lie. Learn how to stress-test whether your nest egg survives bad markets with a Monte Carlo retirement check — and what a real success rate looks like before you leave work.
Meet the AI Retirement Advisor That Actually Knows Your Numbers
Most AI chatbots give generic retirement advice. RetirePro's Grok-powered AI Advisor reads your complete financial picture — every account, your taxes, budget, and Monte Carlo results — and answers with your real numbers.
The HSA Is the Best Retirement Account You're Not Maxing Out (2026 Guide)
The Health Savings Account is the only triple-tax-free account in America — deductible going in, tax-free growth, tax-free out for medical costs. Here's how to turn your HSA into a stealth retirement account in 2026.
The Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule: How to Avoid the Tax Trap in 2026
Most non-spouse beneficiaries must now empty inherited IRAs within 10 years — and the wrong withdrawal strategy can cost tens of thousands in taxes. Here's how the rule works and how to plan around it.
The AI-Powered Retirement Plan: What Smart Retirees Are Doing Differently in 2026
AI is quietly transforming retirement planning — from Monte Carlo analysis on steroids to personalized tax strategies and real-time withdrawal optimization. Here's what the smartest 2026 retirees are using and how you can too.
Gen X's Retirement Reckoning: You Have Less Time Than You Think
Gen X is the next retirement wave — and the most under-saved generation. If you're 46–61 years old in 2026, here's your realistic catch-up plan with concrete numbers, timelines, and trade-offs.
The Rate-Cut Era Is Here: How Falling Yields Change Your Retirement Income Plan
The Fed is cutting rates and your 5% CDs are becoming 3% CDs. Here's exactly how retirees should adjust their income plan — bond ladders, dividend strategies, annuity timing, and when to take more portfolio risk.
The First 5 Years of Retirement: A Stress Test Before You Leave Work
The first five years of retirement can determine whether a plan lasts. Learn how to stress-test spending, market declines, healthcare, Social Security, and cash reserves before leaving work.
The Q3 Retirement Reset: 90 Days to Make 2026 Count
Use this 90-day retirement reset to turn a mid-year review into action. Recalibrate savings, rebalance thoughtfully, protect your plan, and enter Q4 with momentum.
Got a Raise or Bonus? Turn It Into a Retirement Upgrade Before It Disappears
A practical guide to using a raise or bonus to improve retirement without derailing your life today. Prioritize your employer match, debt, emergency savings, and tax-advantaged accounts.
Social Security COLA 2027: What to Expect and How to Plan Now
When is the 2027 Social Security COLA announced, how is it calculated, and what should retirees expect? Plus how to plan smartly no matter the final number.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k): Which Is Right for You?
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k) explained for 2026. Compare the tax math, see who should pick each, and learn why many savers split contributions between both.
The Retirement Health Stack: 7 Habits That Save You 6 Figures in Healthcare Costs
The average couple spends $315,000+ on healthcare in retirement. The retirees who spend half that aren't lucky — they built a system. Here are the 7 health + financial habits that protect both your body and your portfolio.
How Long Will $1 Million Last in Retirement?
How long does $1 million last in retirement? See real numbers by spending level, why the simple math misleads, and how to make a $1M nest egg last 30+ years.
The 30-Day Retirement Test Drive: How to Trial Retirement This Summer (2026)
Before you retire for real, take it for a test drive. Here's the exact 30-day summer experiment that reveals whether your budget, your routine, and your relationship are actually ready for retirement — and what to fix before it's permanent.
The Paycheck Escape Plan: How to Replace Your Income in Retirement (2026)
Most people are trained to live paycheck to paycheck. Retirement requires a different system. Here's the 5-step Paycheck Escape Plan — how to design retirement income layers, time your benefits, and stop depending on one paycheck.
Best Free Retirement Calculator in 2026: Why Monte Carlo Matters
Compare free retirement calculators in 2026 and see why Monte Carlo simulation is the difference between a rough estimate and a real plan.
How Much Do I Need to Retire in 2026? A Real-World Calculator Guide
Figure out your actual retirement number in 2026 with a practical formula that includes spending, Social Security, taxes, and market risk.
RMD Calculator 2026: When Do You Have to Start Withdrawals?
Understand required minimum distributions in 2026, how the age rules work, and why RMDs can create a surprise tax bill in retirement.
4% Rule Explained: Safe Withdrawal Rates in 2026 — Plus Modern Alternatives
The 4% rule is a useful starting point, but it was built for 1994 markets. Learn when it holds up in 2026, when to use 3.5% or 5% instead, and how to stress-test your actual withdrawal rate with Monte Carlo simulation.
Social Security Timing: Claim at 62, 67, or 70? Break-Even Math for 2026
Should you claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? We break down the exact break-even math, lifetime benefit totals, and spousal strategies to find your optimal claiming age in 2026.
Best Retirement Planning Calculator 2026 (Free) — Monte Carlo, Taxes & Social Security
We tested every free retirement calculator in 2026. See which ones include Monte Carlo simulation, tax modeling & Social Security optimization — and which fall short. Side-by-side comparison inside.
Best Retirement Withdrawal Strategies: 3.5%, 4%, or 5% — Which Is Right For You?
Compare the 3.5%, 4%, and 5% withdrawal rates side by side, then learn the bucket strategy, guardrails method, and tax-efficient withdrawal order to make your money last in 2026.
Can I Retire at 60? Real 2026 Scenarios by Savings Level and Spending
Thinking about retiring at 60? See exactly what it takes with real scenarios broken down by savings level, spending, and Social Security strategy. Includes 2026 healthcare costs, Medicare gap planning, and a free retirement calculator.
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire? 2026 Guide
Find your exact retirement number using the 25x rule, Social Security offsets, and real scenarios at age 55, 60, and 65. Includes 2026 savings benchmarks and a free calculator.
Retire and Travel Full-Time: How Much Do You Really Need?
How much money do you need to retire and travel full-time? Complete cost breakdown for full-time travel in retirement with real-world budgets and planning tips.
Summer 2026 Money Moves: Tax-Smart Strategies Before Year-End
7 tax-smart financial moves to make this summer before December. Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, RMD planning, and mid-year strategies for retirees.
How to Save for a Dream Vacation Without Touching Your 401(k)
7 proven strategies to fund retirement travel without raiding your 401(k) or IRA. Build a separate vacation fund while keeping your retirement on track.
Mid-Year Retirement Savings Check: Are You on Track for 2026?
A mid-year retirement savings checkup for 2026. Review your 401(k), IRA, and investment progress with actionable steps to catch up before December.
Spring Financial Checkup: 5 Numbers Every Pre-Retiree Should Know
Your spring 2026 retirement checkup. The 5 critical numbers every pre-retiree should review — savings rate, net worth, Social Security estimate, healthcare costs, and withdrawal rate.
Retirement Lifestyle Budget: Live Well Without Running Out
Build a retirement lifestyle budget that balances enjoyment with financial security. Covers spending categories, the 80% rule, and how to avoid outliving your money.
7 Retirement Power Moves to Make Before Summer 2026
Spring is the best time to optimize your retirement plan. These 7 high-impact strategies — from Roth conversions to HSA stacking — can save you tens of thousands before summer hits.
What Is My Net Worth? How to Calculate Your True Financial Picture
Learn how to calculate your net worth step by step. Free worksheet, common mistakes to avoid, and benchmarks by age for retirement planning.
How Much Should You Save for Travel Before You Retire?
Calculate how much to save for retirement travel. Explore savings targets by travel style, strategies to build a travel fund, and tools to plan your trips.
Best Affordable Summer Destinations for Retirees 2026
Discover the 10 best affordable summer travel destinations for retirees in 2026. Budget-friendly trips with estimated costs, tips, and planning advice.
How to Budget for Travel in Retirement: 2026 Guide
Learn how to create a realistic retirement travel budget. Covers average costs, budgeting strategies, and how to travel more without draining your savings.
The 1% More Rule: Add $800K to Your Retirement Without Feeling It
Every time you get a raise, increase your 401(k) by just 1%. This dead-simple strategy can add hundreds of thousands to your retirement — and you'll never notice the difference.
Invest Your Tax Refund: How $3,200 a Year Becomes $347,000
The average American tax refund is $3,200. Discover what happens when you invest it every year instead of spending it — and the exact steps to automate it.
How to Create a Retirement Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
Learn how to build a realistic retirement budget that covers healthcare, housing, travel, and daily expenses. Use our free calculator to project your retirement spending needs.
Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA: Which Is Better for Your Retirement?
Compare Traditional IRA and Roth IRA side by side. Learn the tax advantages, income limits, conversion strategies, and which account is best for your retirement plan in 2026.
How to Catch Up on Retirement Savings After 50
Behind on retirement savings? Learn the catch-up contribution limits, strategies, and action plan to maximize your retirement savings in your 50s and 60s. It's not too late.
Inflation and Retirement: How to Protect Your Purchasing Power
Inflation is the silent retirement killer. Learn how rising prices erode your savings, which investments beat inflation, and strategies to protect your retirement income in 2026 and beyond.
Retirement Healthcare Costs: What to Expect and How to Plan in 2026
Healthcare is the #1 unexpected retirement expense. Learn what Medicare costs, how to plan for healthcare before 65, and strategies to reduce retirement medical costs in 2026.
401(k) Calculator: How Much Will My 401(k) Be Worth at Retirement? (2026)
Use our free 401(k) calculator to project your balance at retirement. See how employer match, contribution rate, and compound interest affect your 401k growth. 2026 limits included ($23,500 + $7,500 catch-up).
Can I Retire at 55? Here's Exactly What You Need (2026 Calculator)
Find out if you can retire at 55 with our free early retirement calculator. We break down the exact savings you need, healthcare costs before Medicare, Social Security bridge strategies, and the tax traps to avoid. Includes 2026 numbers.
Retirement Income Calculator: How Much Monthly Income Will You Need? (2026)
Calculate how much monthly income you'll need in retirement. Free calculator covers Social Security, 401(k) withdrawals, pensions, and the 4% rule. See the exact gap between your income and expenses — and how to close it.
FIRE Calculator: Can You Retire Early? (Free Tool + 2026 Guide)
Calculate your FIRE number, find out when you can retire early, and test your plan with 1,000 Monte Carlo simulations — all free. Covers lean FIRE, fat FIRE, coast FIRE, and the exact math behind the 4% rule and 25x savings target.
How Much Do I Need to Retire? Savings Targets by Age (2026 Calculator)
Find out exactly how much you need to retire at 55, 60, 62, or 65 — broken down by age with savings benchmarks, the 25x rule, and a free retirement calculator. Includes 2026 Social Security data and inflation-adjusted targets.
Roth Conversion Strategies 2026: Ladder, Backdoor & Optimal Timing
The complete 2026 guide to Roth conversions — ladder strategy, backdoor Roth, gap-year conversions, and the exact math for how much to convert each year. Includes 2026 tax brackets, IRMAA thresholds, and a free Roth conversion calculator.
Social Security Benefits: When to Claim for Maximum Income (2026 Guide)
Should you claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? This 2026 guide breaks down the exact math, break-even ages, spousal strategies, and how each claiming age affects your retirement income. Free Social Security calculator included.
Free Monte Carlo Simulation for Retirement Planning: How It Works
Use a free Monte Carlo simulation to stress-test your retirement plan with 1,000 scenarios. Learn how random market returns affect your savings and find your real probability of success.
Roth Conversion Calculator: Find Your Optimal Strategy in 2026
Use our free Roth conversion calculator to find the optimal conversion amount. Learn the tax math behind Roth conversions and when they save you money in retirement.
The $50/Week Investment Nobody Talks About (That Beats Most 401(k)s)
No 401(k)? No problem. Learn the $50/week compound savings strategy using index funds that can grow to $489,000+ — even in a regular brokerage account.
The 1% Trick: How to Double Your 401(k) Without Feeling It
Painlessly double your 401(k) contributions in 12 months with the 1% escalation trick. See the math on how this adds $400,000+ to your retirement.
SEC Rules Every Retirement Investor Should Know (2026 Edition)
Key SEC rules that protect your retirement savings in 2026 — from Reg BI and fiduciary standards to accredited investor thresholds and fraud prevention.
Crypto in Your Retirement Portfolio? Here's How Much Is Too Much (2026)
Bitcoin crashed 50% — what happens to your retirement? We break down the exact math on crypto position sizing, sequence-of-returns risk, and the maximum safe allocation for retirees. Data-driven rules inside.
Market Uncertainty and Retirement Planning: A Practical Guide
Learn how to navigate market uncertainty during retirement planning. Discover proven strategies to stay calm, diversify wisely, and protect your financial future when markets are volatile.
How to Protect Your Portfolio During Market Downturns: Proven Strategies
Master defensive portfolio strategies for market crashes. Learn rebalancing tactics, asset protection, hedging methods, and how to maintain purchasing power when markets slide backward.
Master Your Finances with RetirePro
Deep dive into RetirePro's financial tools: Budget tracking, Net Worth calculator, Tax Planning with 2025 brackets, and Mortgage analysis.
RetirePro's Advanced Tools and AI Advisor
Explore RetirePro's premium features: What-If scenarios, Roth conversion calculator, 72t SEPP, Rent vs Buy, Sankey charts, and AI retirement advisor.
RetirePro: Complete Retirement Planner
Discover RetirePro's 16 powerful features: Monte Carlo simulations, Social Security optimization, tax planning, and AI advisor for retirement.
Retirement Planning in Your 30s
Your 30s are the most powerful decade for building wealth. Learn exactly what to do now to retire wealthy—or even early.
2026 IRS Contribution Limits Guide
The IRS has announced increased contribution limits for 2026. Learn the new 401(k), IRA, and HSA limits, plus the game-changing SECURE 2.0 super catch-up for ages 60-63.
Getting Started with RetirePro
Learn how to set up your RetirePro account, enter your financial data, and run your first retirement projection in under 10 minutes.
Retirement Planning in Your 50s
Your 50s are the most important years for retirement planning. Learn the key strategies for catch-up contributions, Social Security optimization, and final preparations.
Monte Carlo Retirement Simulator: How to Use It (Free Tool + Guide 2026)
Run 1,000 retirement scenarios in 60 seconds. This step-by-step guide shows you how Monte Carlo simulation works, what your success rate really means, and exactly how to improve it. Free calculator included.
Retirement Planning in Your 40s
Your 40s are when retirement planning gets serious. Learn how to accelerate savings, balance competing priorities, and set yourself up for a secure future.
RetirePro Dashboard Guide
A complete guide to every number, chart, and metric in your RetirePro dashboard. Learn what each calculation means and how to use it.
Social Security Claiming Strategy Guide
Discover how claiming age affects your lifetime benefits, spousal strategies, and how to optimize your Social Security for maximum income.