RunTheNumbers

If your employer's 401k plan doesn't offer after-tax contributions or in-plan Roth conversions, here are the best alternative strategies: Roth 401k, backdoor Roth IRA, Solo 401k, HSA, and more.

A practical guide to choosing the right 401k contribution rate. Covers 2026 IRS limits, employer match, income-based scenarios, tax savings, and a step-by-step decision framework.

Switching jobs mid-year? Learn how the $24,500 elective deferral limit is shared across employers, how 415(c) limits work per employer, rollover options, vesting schedules, and how to optimize your contributions at your new job.

Front-loading your 401k can cost you thousands in lost employer match. Learn how per-paycheck match works, what a true-up provision is, and how to pace contributions correctly.

A beginner-friendly guide to the types of investments available in your 401k - index funds, target-date funds, mutual funds, ETFs, and company stock. How they work, what they cost, and how to choose.

A plain-English guide to the three types of 401k contributions: pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax. How each one works, when it makes sense, and how they interact with employer match.

Solo 401(k) vs SEP IRA vs SIMPLE IRA: how to maximize retirement savings when you have both W2 and 1099 income. Covers the pro-rata rule, mega backdoor Roth via solo 401(k), and when each option makes sense.

How to contribute to a Roth IRA when your income is too high. Step-by-step walkthrough, pro-rata rule explained, 5-year rules, and key mistakes to avoid.

How to contribute up to $72,000 to your 401k using after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions. Includes 2026 IRS limits, step-by-step execution, and common pitfalls.