For many employees, Microsoft’s 55/15 rule is the ticket to early retirement. It’s not just a perk — it’s a game changer. Here’s how you can use it to step away early.

If you qualify for the 55 and 15 rule at Microsoft, you may be ready for early retirement. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps you should take to make a smooth transition.

Microsoft doesn’t set a retirement age — you can leave when you’re ready. For some, “ready” means as early as 55, especially with benefits like the 55/15 rule for RSU vesting. But while early retirement can mean freedom and fresh starts, it also comes with some risks and trade-offs.

For longtime Microsoft employees, retirement isn’t always an all-or-nothing decision. Many professionals want to step away from full-time work but aren’t quite ready to retire completely. Fortunately, Microsoft employees have several options to ease into retirement and make a smooth exit. Here are some financial strategies to help you phase out of Microsoft on your own terms.

For many longtime Microsoft employees, the company has provided a fulfilling career, strong financial rewards, and valuable benefits. But as retirement approaches, an important question arises: When is the right time to leave?

For employees hoping to retire early, Microsoft’s “rule of 55” offers some major benefits. This rule lets long-term employees keep vesting their unvested stock awards even after leaving the company. This can be a game-changer for your retirement income, especially when paired with smart 401(k) withdrawals.

Starting in 2025, many employees aged 60 to 63 will be able to contribute even more to their 401(k) accounts. If Microsoft adopts these changes, it will provide workers a golden opportunity to boost their retirement savings in the final stretch of their careers.

Timing your retirement correctly can have a major impact on your finances and lifestyle in your golden years. With economic shifts, corporate changes, and evolving tax laws in 2025, many employees are asking: Is now the right time to retire from Microsoft?

As a Microsoft employee, your nest egg probably features plenty of company stock. While MSFT is a great stock choice, it’s always wise to diversify. But what about the tax bite from selling shares? Here’s how to exit Microsoft stock in 2025 without a major tax hit to your retirement fund.

Retiring early might sound like a pipe dream, but for many high-earning professionals, it’s entirely possible with the right strategy. That’s where the FIRE movement comes in.

While writing a check for charity might feel good on its own, it isn’t always the best way to support your favorite causes. As a Microsoft employee, you have a unique opportunity to help the world through tax-advantaged charitable donations. Here’s how to give more effectively, optimize your taxes, and integrate real-world philanthropy into your broader financial plan.

Working at Microsoft comes with some serious financial perks, from stock awards to great retirement benefits. But with those perks come some sneaky tax traps that can catch you off guard if you’re not careful. Without a solid tax plan, you could end up owing more than expected.

Planning for retirement is a significant milestone, and understanding your 401(k) options is crucial to ensuring financial stability in your golden years. Here’s what you should know.

For high-earners at Microsoft, tax optimization is more than just a good idea — it’s a financial necessity. With the right strategies, you can significantly reduce your tax burden while growing your wealth.

Retiring from Microsoft is an exciting milestone. It’s also a process that takes careful thought and preparation. From notifying HR to planning your post-retirement lifestyle, there’s a lot to consider. Here’s how to make sure your transition is smooth and rewarding.

Reaching Level 67 is a major career milestone at Microsoft. This advancement brings additional compensation and new ways to save for the future. Here’s what you should know.

Understanding your Microsoft retirement plan is key to saving more. Here’s what to know.

Microsoft offers a comprehensive 401(k) plan designed to help employees save for retirement effectively. Here are our answers to some of the most common questions about the Microsoft 401(k) plan.

As a Microsoft employee, your benefits package can significantly reduce your tax debt for the year. Here's how to make the most of these opportunities.

Estate planning ensures that your wealth is managed and distributed according to your wishes. When planning your estate, Microsoft’s unique compensation structure takes special consideration.

Microsoft's employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) can be a great way to enhance your portfolio. However, it does come with risks. In this guide, we’re going to look at how the ESPP works and how you can get more out of it.

Planning for healthcare expenses is a crucial part of any retirement strategy. For Microsoft employees, robust benefits can help build a strong foundation for retirement, but it’s essential to plan strategically. Here are key tips to prepare for a smooth and financially stable retirement.

The key to a comfortable retirement is planning ahead. From understanding your Microsoft retirement benefits to assessing your finances and making a budget, here are the steps you should take to build a better future.

The Microsoft 401(k) is one of the best retirement plans in the tech industry. To help you understand your benefits, here are our answers to the most common questions about the Microsoft 401(k).

Microsoft offers employees a great compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent. In this guide, we’re going to look at how Microsoft pays employees so you can make the most of your salary and benefits.

Planning for early retirement is a major decision. As a Microsoft employee, how can you be sure it’s wise? Here’s what you should know.

As a Microsoft employee, understanding your retirement benefits will help you optimize your finances and plan for the future. Here are the answers to all your most common questions.

Microsoft’s retirement benefits are some of the best in the tech industry. From a robust 401(k) to a generous employee stock purchase plan, employees have several opportunities to optimize their savings. Here’s a breakdown of the key retirement benefits and how to make the most of them.

The Microsoft Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) lets eligible employees defer a portion of their income until a future year. This deferral will reduce your taxable income for the current year, which can save you thousands of dollars in taxes. Here’s what you need to know.

As a Microsoft employee, restricted stock units (RSUs) are likely a major part of your income. In this guide, we’re going to look at how RSUs work and how you can use yours to grow your wealth.