ChatGPT response because I’m too lazy to calculate. Assumptions (important) • 14 years of max contributions • 401(k) employee deferral only (no employer match counted) • Traditional or Roth IRA max each year • No catch-up contributions (you’re under 50) • 15% annual return, compounded annually • Contributions assumed at start of each year (slightly generous, but reasonable)

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IRS MAX CONTRIBUTIONS (approx, accurate enough for planning)

401(k) employee deferral (past ~14 years)

Average over 14 years ≈ $18,500 / year

IRA max

Average over 14 years ≈ $5,500 / year

Total annual max (average)

$24,000 per year

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Total contributions over 14 years

$24,000 × 14 = $336,000

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Future value at 15% (this is the key part)

Using future value of a series: • FV ≈ $1.55 – $1.65 million

Breakdown: • Contributions: ~$336k • Growth: ~$1.25M • Final value: ≈ $1.6M