Is Maxing Out Your 401(k) Contribution Always the Best Move?

Preston Rosamond |

When it comes to planning for your future in retirement, maxing out your 401(k) contributions is often seen as the ultimate goal. It’s a smart way to save for retirement, thanks to its tax benefits, and setting up automatic contributions makes it a breeze to stick to your savings plan. But here’s the thing: maxing out your 401(k) might not always be the best choice for everyone. 

Let’s discuss why that might be the case and how you can discern if this is a good move for you.

You May Have Other Financial Priorities

While saving for retirement is important, it’s not the only financial goal you may have. For example, you may be saving for a down payment on a home, paying off debt, or building up an emergency fund. If you funnel all your extra money into your 401(k), these other areas of your finances may end up neglected. Make sure you have a well-rounded financial plan that addresses all your priorities. To start, consider the following to help you assess other potential goals:

  • Pay down any high-interest credit card debt.
  • Build up an emergency fund with 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses.
  • Make sure you have adequate health insurance.
  • Review your estate plan: do you have a basic will or trust in place to safeguard your loved ones in your absence?
  • Consider disability insurance in case an accident or injury prevents you from working for an extended period of time.
  • If you are married or have dependent children, consider obtaining adequate life insurance.

You May Have Access to Better Investment Options Elsewhere

Most 401(k) plans offer a limited selection of investment options, which may not be the best fit for your strategy. Suppose you have other investment accounts, such as an IRA or taxable brokerage account. In that case, you may have access to a wider variety of investment options. 

For example, let’s say your 401(k) plan only offers mutual funds but you’re interested in investing in individual stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In this case, an IRA or taxable brokerage account may be the better option. By diversifying your investments across multiple accounts, you can improve your returns and invest in the right mix of assets for your financial goals. 

You May Want More Flexibility in Accessing Your Money

Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are tax-deductible, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as income. Withdrawals prior to age 59.5 are subject to tax and a 10% penalty if you don’t meet the strict criteria for a hardship withdrawal. If you’re planning to retire early or have other income streams in retirement, you may want more flexibility in accessing your money. Roth IRAs, for example, allow you to withdraw your contributions at any time without penalty, and qualified withdrawals of earnings are tax-free. Consider whether a Roth IRA or other investment vehicle might give you more flexibility both now and in retirement.

You May Pay Less in Fees With Other Investment Accounts

When considering whether to max out your 401(k) contributions, it’s also important to take into account the fees associated with these plans. Though 401(k) plans are convenient, they can also be expensive, with costs including administrative fees, investment fees, and expense ratios, among others. These fees can eat into your investment returns over time and can be especially costly if you’re not paying attention to them. Make sure you understand the fees associated with your 401(k) plan and consider whether there are lower-cost investment options available to you. It’s worth seeking the advice of a financial advisor to help you navigate these fees to help you get the most bang for your buck.

If You Do Max Out Your 401(k), Know Your Limits

If you choose to max out your 401(k), it’s important to know your contribution limits. For 2024, you can defer as much as $23,000 into your 401(k) (increased from $22,500 for 2023). An additional $7,500 in catch-up contributions is allowed for those over 50.

One of the best parts of a 401(k) plan is many employers offer matching contributions. The most common matching formula is 50% of employee contributions up to 6% of salary. This means your employer will contribute a maximum of 3% of your salary if you contribute 6%. Since employer matches are essentially free money and not considered income in the year received, it’s generally advised to contribute at least enough to get the maximum matching contribution, even if you don’t max out the full contribution amount.

Here to Help You Make the Right Choice

Maxing out your 401(k) contributions can be a smart choice for many, but it might not be the best option for all situations. At The Rosamond Financial Group, we’re here to help you figure out what’s right for your specific retirement savings goals. Ready to find out more? Reach out to us by calling my office at 830-798-9400 or emailing solutions@rosamondfinancialgroup.com.  

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About Preston

Preston Rosamond is a financial advisor and the founder of The Rosamond Financial Group Wealth Management, LLC with over two decades of industry experience. He provides comprehensive wealth management and financial services to successful business owners, corporate executives, and affluent retirees who enjoy simplicity and seek a professional to help them pursue their goals. Preston personally serves his clients with an individual touch, a sincere heart, and his servant’s attitude is evident from the moment you meet him. Learn more about Preston or start the conversation about your finances with him by emailing solutions@rosamondfinancialgroup.com or schedule a call on his online calendar.