Section 906 Certifications

I, Jonathan S. Horwitz, the Principal Executive Officer of the Funds listed on Attachment A, certify that, to my knowledge:

1. The form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended January 31, 2022 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended January 31, 2022 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Funds listed on Attachment A.

Date: March 30, 2022

/s/ Jonathan S. Horwitz

______________________

Jonathan S. Horwitz

Principal Executive Officer

Section 906 Certifications

I, Janet C. Smith, the Principal Financial Officer of the Funds listed on Attachment A, certify that, to my knowledge:

1. The form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended January 31, 2022 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended January 31, 2022 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Funds listed on Attachment A.

Date: March 30, 2022

/s/ Janet C. Smith

______________________

Janet C. Smith

Principal Financial Officer

Attachment A

Period (s) ended January 31, 2022

               George Putnam Balanced Fund

               Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund

               Putnam Premier Income Trust

               Putnam Research Fund

               Putnam Ultra Short Duration Income Fund

               Putnam Short Term Investment Fund

               Putnam Strategic Intermediate Municipal Fund

               Putnam Tax-Free High Yield Fund

               Putnam RetirementReady Funds:

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2065

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2060

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2055

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2050

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2045

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2040

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2035

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2030

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2025

               Putnam RetirementReady Maturity Fund