The Monday Money Brief

Jul 20, 2026

Not all retirement accounts are created equal. The best account for you depends on your tax situation, employer benefits, and long-term goals. But if you’re an overwhelmed professional looking for a simple place to start, here’s how I’d rank them.

First, contribute enough to your 401(k) to receive the full employer match. That’s an immediate 100% return on your contribution that you simply can’t afford to ignore.

Next, consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) if you’re eligible. It offers one of the best tax advantages available because contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.

After that, prioritize a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA, depending on whether paying taxes now or later makes the most sense for your situation.

Once those opportunities are maximized, go back and increase contributions to your 401(k) up to the annual limit. Tax-deferred growth can have a significant impact over time.

The key isn’t finding the perfect retirement account. It’s consistently funding the right accounts in the right order. A simple system removes guesswork and helps your money work harder every year.

Your retirement strategy shouldn’t be complicated. It should be intentional, organized, and easy to follow.

Keep navigating your financial future!