10  Retirement Accounts

Retirement accounts are tax-advantaged wrappers that hold your investments. Choosing the right one is often worth more than picking the right fund.

• 401(k) / 403(b) / TSP: employer plans, often with a match
• Traditional IRA: tax-deferred contributions
• Roth IRA: tax-free growth
• HSA: the most tax-advantaged account available if you qualify
• Taxable brokerage: for everything above the limits

A good default order: capture the employer match, max the HSA (if eligible), max IRA, then back to the 401(k) up to the limit.