Tax-Advantaged Accounts
The government will pay you to invest. Take the deal.
Tax-advantaged accounts let your investments grow without (or before) tax drag:
- 401(k) — pre-tax employer-sponsored; always capture the full match (it is a 100% return)
- Roth IRA — post-tax now, tax-free growth and withdrawals forever
- HSA — triple tax advantage if you qualify with an HDHP
Funding order for most people: 401(k) up to the match → max Roth IRA → max 401(k) → taxable brokerage.