The biggest retirement accounts in America — what to do with them before and after you retire.
A 401(k) is a workplace retirement plan. You contribute pre-tax dollars (or Roth), often with an employer match, and the money grows tax-deferred until withdrawal. An IRA is a personal account with the same tax treatment but more flexibility — any broker, any investment, any time. Both have the same goal: defer taxes until you're in a lower bracket in retirement.
In 2026, you can contribute up to $23,500 to a 401(k), plus $7,500 if you're 50+, plus an additional $3,750 if you're 60–63. Total: $34,750. IRA limits are lower: $7,500 plus $1,000 catch-up. These limits reset every year — missing a year means missing that tax shelter forever.
Traditional contributions give you a current tax deduction; you pay tax when you withdraw. Roth contributions are after-tax; withdrawals are tax-free. The decision depends on today's bracket vs expected retirement bracket. For most savers the right answer is "some of each" — tax diversification gives you flexibility decades from now when tax law is unknowable.
At retirement you typically have three choices for an old 401(k): leave it, roll it to an IRA, or cash out (almost always a mistake). Rolling to an IRA gives you lower fees and better investment choices in most cases — but it also eliminates the "rule of 55" early access if you're between 55 and 59½.
Take the free Retire Ready Score to see where your plan stands, then talk to an advisor if you want help.
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