Hey all, I am new here. however I have been reviewing and listening to the topics for a while. What I am having difficulty on is this: 401K is pre tax dollars. Any investing money after you get paid is money that has been taxed. Shouldn't the best advice be for retirement planning to max out your 401K contributions before thinking on any other long term investing with after tax dollars? Max out means contribute a full $ amount you are allowed per year, which includes you employer...

It's typically advised to only contribute up to your 401k match. Once there is no longer a match, or in other words, free money, invest other funds into an IRA. The reasoning is 401 plans are typically limited in the investments you can choose and will be taxed upon withdrawal. However, it varies, so if you feel it is optimal for you to continue to invest in your 401k based on your analysis then continue to do so. Regarding your logic with taking on more risk with after-tax dollars. Higher...

Hello @Trevor , I was in the same predicament as you mentioned above on this thread. After doing some googling and reading a slight page of Dave Ramseys book, he pretty much mentioned the same thing that @Maykel said. Max out 401K. After that, invest in IRA (I would say ROTH) so when you pull out in the future, its already taxed. I personally am doing this now. Just started it. I would not want to get taxed from only pulling out from 401K. You mentioned real estate, I would recommend this...

you both touch on a point: invest in 401K as much as your employer matches is the general advice. Tend to agree, however there are additional options to continue on 401k without matching. Something else mentioned is the idea of taxable retirement income vs non taxable (Roth). So thinking this is my action plan: In my circumstances I am past the beginning steps: 2k emergency fund, 8 month expenses liquid savings, no student, car or CC debt, no debt at all till I buy a home. 401K up to...