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Should You Max Out Your 401(k) Before Investing In An IRA Or Stocks?

The article from Forbes discusses the strategic considerations of whether to max out a 401(k) before investing in an IRA or other investment vehicles like stocks. It highlights that contributing to a 401(k) up to the employer match is generally advisable due to the immediate return on investment from the match. However, after securing the match, investors face a choice: continue with the 401(k) for its tax benefits and potential for tax-deferred growth, or diversify into an IRA for potentially lower fees, more investment options, and possibly better performance. The article points out that while 401(k)s offer tax advantages, they often come with high fees and limited investment choices. Conversely, IRAs provide greater flexibility in investment options and potentially lower costs, but they lack the immediate tax benefits of employer matches. The decision hinges on individual financial goals, the quality of the 401(k) plan, and one's investment strategy, suggesting that a balanced approach might be optimal, where one maximizes the employer match in the 401(k) and then considers additional investments in an IRA or other assets for diversification and potentially better returns.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/investor-hub/article/should-you-max-401k-before-investing-in-ira-stocks/ ]