Health plans
HMO vs PPO: what's the difference?
Both cover the same kinds of care. The difference is how freely you can pick doctors, and what you pay for that freedom.
HMO
Lower cost, smaller network.
- You choose doctors from the plan's network.
- You usually pick a primary doctor, who refers you to specialists.
- Out-of-network care isn't covered, except in emergencies.
- Premiums and costs are usually lower.
Good fit ifyour doctors are in the network and you want to keep costs down.
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PPO
More freedom, higher cost.
- See any doctor, including specialists, with no referral.
- Out-of-network care is covered, but you pay more for it.
- Premiums are usually higher.
Good fit ifyou want to keep a specific doctor, or see specialists without a referral.
You may also see an EPO (like an HMO without referrals) or a high-deductible plan (lower premiums, a higher deductible, and the only kind of plan that lets you use an HSA).
In the Decoder: every plan in your guide side by side, with the total yearly cost of each. Free.
Health accounts
HSA vs FSA: which one can you use?
Both let you pay medical costs with pre-tax money, so each dollar goes further. The rules for keeping that money are very different.
HSA
Your money, for good.
- Only with an HSA-eligible high-deductible plan.
- Unspent money rolls over every year, and you can invest it.
- It stays yours if you change jobs.
- Tax-free going in, while it grows, and coming out for medical bills.
- 2027 limit: $4,500 for just you, $9,000 for a family. Employer money counts toward it.
Good fit ifyou're on a high-deductible plan. Many people treat it as a second retirement account.
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FSA
Use it or lose it (mostly).
- Offered alongside most health plans.
- You pick an amount for the year, and can usually spend all of it from day one.
- Money you don't spend is mostly lost. Some plans let you carry a little over, or give you extra time.
- It usually stays behind if you leave your job.
Good fit ifyou have costs you're sure of, like glasses, prescriptions or a planned procedure.
On an HSA plan? You can't also use a regular health FSA, but a limited-purpose FSA for dental and vision works alongside it.
In your report: how much to put in each, based on the care you expect and any money your employer adds. Get my report →
Retirement
How much should I put in my 401(k)?
There's no single right number, but there is a right order.
Get the whole match first.
If your employer matches what you put in, that's part of your pay. Contribute at least enough to get all of it. For example, a match of 100% of the first 3% plus 50% of the next 2% means you put in 5%.
Then work toward about 15%.
Many retirement guidelines suggest saving around 15% of your pay each year, counting your employer's match. Starting lower is fine. Many plans can raise it by 1% a year for you.
Know the ceiling.
For 2026 you can put in up to $24,500 of your own money, and more if you're 50 or older. The IRS announces the next year's limits each fall.
In your report: we read your plan's match formula and show the exact % that gets every dollar of it. Get my report →
Retirement
Roth or Traditional 401(k)?
Same account, same limits. The only question is when you pay the tax: now, or later.
Traditional
Tax break now.
- Money goes in before income tax, so your take-home pay drops less.
- You pay income tax when you take it out in retirement.
Often wins ifyou expect a lower tax rate in retirement than you pay today.
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Roth
Tax-free later.
- Money goes in after income tax, so your take-home pay is a bit smaller.
- Qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, growth included.
Often wins ifyou're early in your career, or expect a higher tax rate later.
Not sure? Many people split their contributions between the two. Not every plan offers a Roth option; your guide will say.
In your report: both options compared with your income, plus the retirement tax rate where Roth starts to win. Get my report →
The words in your guide
5 words that decide what you really pay
Learn these and any health plan makes sense.
PremiumWhat you pay for the plan itself, usually from every paycheck, whether or not you use any care.
DeductibleWhat you pay for care each year before the plan starts sharing the cost. Checkups are usually free even before you reach it.
CoinsuranceYour share of a bill after the deductible. With 20% coinsurance, a $1,000 bill costs you $200.
CopayA flat fee for a visit or prescription, like $25 for a doctor visit.
Out-of-pocket maxThe most you'd pay for covered in-network care in a year. Premiums don't count toward it.
In the Decoder: every term in your guide is defined. Tap one to see what it means. Free.
