I’ve spent 13 years as a financial advisor, and I’ve seen how proper planning is the foundation of a solid retirement plan. I believe there are 7 accounts you need for a successful retirement. Hereโs what most people donโt know about them๐
๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ปt
This is your income hub. Itโs where Social Security, pension, or RMDs land, and where your bills get paid. Simple, but essential.
๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต-๐ฌ๐ถ๐ฒ๐น๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐
Every retiree needs a buffer. This is your emergency fundโearning real interest. A safe place for 6โ12 months of expenses.
๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐ ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ปt (HSA)
If you qualify, this is the most tax-advantaged account available. Contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and so are withdrawals if used for medical expenses. Fidelity estimates retirees have $250k of qualifying expenses in retirement!
๐ฐ๐ฌ๐ญ(๐ธ)
This is your employer-sponsored workhorse. High contribution limits, potential company match, and tax-deferred growth. A must-have during your peak earning years.
๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฅ๐
Great for tax-deductible contributions (if eligible). Ideal for rollover assets or building tax-deferred growth outside your 401(k).
๐ฅ๐ผ๐๐ต ๐๐ฅ๐
One of the best places for tax planning in retirement. Pay taxes now, grow money tax-free, and enjoy tax-free withdrawals later. No RMDs, either.
๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ป๐
The most flexibility. No income limits, no contribution caps, no withdrawal rules. Perfect for bridging early retirement or funding lifestyle goals.
Here is my opinion, having these accounts isnโt enough. The real value comes when you know how to use them together. Thatโs when the magic happens:
โข Time your withdrawals strategically
โข Convert Traditional to Roth in low-income years
โข Use tax-loss harvesting in taxable accounts
โข Place assets in the most tax-efficient accounts
That is how you build a retirement plan that actually works. When all the gears are working together smoothly to require less effort (and less stress).
Which of these is your favorite account?
