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🎯

403(b) vs 457(b) Strategy Calculator

See exactly how your retirement accounts will grow

🎯 What This Calculator Does

This calculator helps you split your retirement savings between BOTH your 403(b) and 457(b) accounts - what we call the "hybrid strategy."

Important: You don't HAVE to use both accounts. Many teachers focus on just their 403(b) or just their 457(b) and do great! But IF your district offers both accounts AND you want the flexibility of splitting between them, this calculator shows you how.

Why split between both? Different access rules = maximum flexibility. Your 403(b) is for long-term growth. Your 457(b) gives you penalty-free access the day you leave teaching (even before 59½). Using both gives you options.

If your district only offers one account, focus on that one! This calculator is specifically for the hybrid approach.

How it personalizes for you: This calculator uses age-based logic to determine your optimal split. Here's how it works:

  • Retiring before 55: 75% 457(b) / 25% 403(b)
  • Retiring 55-59: 65% 457(b) / 35% 403(b)
  • Age 50+ (catch-up contributions): 55% 403(b) / 45% 457(b)
  • 20+ years to retirement: 60% 403(b) / 40% 457(b)
  • Standard approach: 50% / 50% balanced split

Based on your age and retirement timeline, you'll see which rule applies in your personalized plan below.

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Your Retirement Accounts Will Grow To:

$0
In X years

📊 Watch Your Wealth Grow

See exactly how your accounts will build over time

Year Age 403(b) Balance 457(b) Balance Total Balance Total Contributed
💡 Coach's Note: Notice how your balance grows faster than what you put in? That's compound interest doing the heavy lifting. Your money is making money!
You're Saving
0%
of your salary
Annual Tax Savings
$0
estimated federal savings (22% bracket)

⚡ Power Saver Mode: What If You Maxed BOTH?

What if you maxed out both accounts every year from now until retirement? Here's what that looks like:

Monthly Contribution
$4,083
Annual Total
$49,000
Future Value
$0

2026 limits: $24,500 each account. Age 50+ adds $8,000 catch-up to EACH = $32,500 per account! Ages 60-63 get a SECURE 2.0 super catch-up: $11,250 each = $35,750 per account!

🎯 Your Personalized Strategy

📋 Important Disclaimer
This calculator uses a 7% annual growth rate assumption, which reflects historical stock market averages. Actual returns will vary. This is educational guidance, not financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized recommendations.