Tax-Advantaged Accounts
The order you fill your accounts matters enormously. Master the account hierarchy and you could save hundreds of thousands over your FI journey.
The Account Hierarchy
The order you fill accounts matters enormously. Each account type offers unique tax advantages, and filling them in the right order maximizes every dollar's tax benefit.
The FI community has converged on a clear priority order: get the employer match first, then HSA, then Roth IRA, then max the 401(k), and finally taxable brokerage. Each step builds on the last.
Account-by-Account Comparison
Each account type has distinct contribution limits, tax treatment, and ideal use cases.
401(k) / 403(b)
Limit: $23,000 ($30,500 at 50+). Pre-tax contributions, tax-deferred growth, taxed as ordinary income on withdrawal. Best for high earners wanting to reduce current taxable income. Always contribute enough to get the full employer match.
Traditional IRA
Limit: $7,000 ($8,000 at 50+). Pre-tax (deductible with limits), tax-deferred growth, taxed as ordinary income on withdrawal. Deduction phases out above ~$77K single / ~$123K married with an employer plan.
Roth IRA
Limit: $7,000 ($8,000 at 50+). After-tax contributions, tax-free growth and withdrawals. Income limits: $161K single / $240K married. Above that? Use the backdoor Roth strategy.
HSA
Limit: $4,150 single / $8,300 family. The only TRIPLE tax-advantaged account. Pay medical out-of-pocket now, let the HSA grow, reimburse yourself decades later tax-free.
529 Plan
Limit: Varies by state (often $300K+ lifetime). After-tax (state deduction in some states), tax-free growth and withdrawals for education. Unused funds can now roll to a Roth IRA (up to $35K lifetime).
The Backdoor Roth IRA
A legal workaround for high earners above the Roth income limits.
Contribute to a Non-Deductible Traditional IRA
Make a $7,000 contribution to a Traditional IRA. Because your income is too high, you won't take a tax deduction — this is after-tax money going in.
Convert to Roth IRA
Shortly after contributing (some people wait a day, others a week), convert the entire Traditional IRA balance to your Roth IRA. This is a direct transfer.
Pay $0 in Taxes on the Conversion
Since you already paid taxes on the contribution (it was non-deductible), and there's minimal growth in the short window, you owe essentially nothing on the conversion.
The Mega Backdoor Roth
The total 401(k) limit (employee + employer) is $69,000 in 2024. Most people only contribute the employee maximum of $23,000. The mega backdoor Roth lets you fill the gap.
If your employer's plan allows after-tax contributions (not the same as Roth 401k contributions) and in-plan Roth conversions, you can contribute beyond $23K and immediately convert those after-tax dollars to Roth.
Optimal Fill Order
The FI community's recommended priority for every investable dollar.
401(k) Up to Employer Match
Free money. 50-100% instant return. There is no investment that beats this.
HSA (If Eligible)
Triple tax advantage makes this the single most tax-efficient account in existence.
Roth IRA (or Backdoor Roth)
Tax-free growth and withdrawals. Contributions accessible anytime. Income flexibility in retirement.
Max Out 401(k)
Reduces current taxable income. Huge impact for those in 22%+ brackets.
Mega Backdoor Roth (If Available)
Supercharges Roth savings if your plan allows after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions.
Taxable Brokerage Account
No contribution limits, no withdrawal restrictions. Tax-efficient index funds keep the drag minimal.
Continue Your Tax Education
Deep-dive into the strategies that save FI seekers the most.