What's the best account for early retirement?

A mix: Roth contributions and taxable for pre-59½ access; 401(k)/IRA for after 59½. HSAs work for medical anytime. Plan your withdrawal sequence to minimize taxes.

Should I max my 401(k) or invest in taxable?

Generally max 401(k) first—tax deferral is valuable. Exception: if you need the money before 59½ and can't access it via Rule 72(t) or similar, taxable offers flexibility.

What's the benefit of an HSA?

Contributions are deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical are tax-free. No other account offers all three. If you have an HDHP, max the HSA.

Tax-Advantaged Accounts: IRAs, 401(k)s, HSAs, and More | Investors Lab

Types of Tax-Advantaged Accounts

401(k) / 403(b): Employer-sponsored. Pre-tax or Roth. Match = free money. Max this first if you have a match.

Traditional IRA: Deductible contributions (income limits apply). Tax-deferred growth. Pay tax on withdrawal.

Roth IRA: After-tax contributions. Tax-free growth and withdrawals. Income limits; backdoor available.

HSA (Health Savings Account): Triple tax advantage—deduct contributions, tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals for medical. Best if you have a high-deductible plan. Can act like an IRA in retirement.

529: Education savings. Tax-free growth for qualified education expenses.

Taxable brokerage: No special tax treatment, but flexible. Use after maxing tax-advantaged space.

Priority Order for Most People

1. 401(k) match (free money)

2. HSA if eligible (triple tax benefit)

3. Roth IRA or Traditional IRA

4. Max 401(k)

5. Taxable brokerage

6. 529 if saving for education

HSA as a Stealth IRA

If you don't need the HSA for medical expenses now, invest it and let it grow. After 65, you can withdraw for any purpose (taxed like an IRA) or for medical (tax-free). It's one of the best deals in the tax code.