When it comes to saving for retirement, knowing which account to fund first is like knowing which steps to take when climbing a mountain. You want to reach the summit with enough oxygen (money) and energy (tax efficiency) to enjoy the view. For those aiming to retire early, funding retirement accounts in the right order and amount takes a bit more strategy.

Over the years, I’ve contributed to just about every retirement account out there—401(k), Roth IRA, SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), HSA, and good old taxable brokerage accounts. After retiring in 2012, I’ve had over a decade to keep funding these various retirement accounts to different degrees. A lot of what you can and want to contribute will depend on your income pre and post retirement.

So if you’re trying to figure out the best order to fund your retirement accounts so you can retire eary, let me walk

Keep reading this article on Financial Samurai.

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