From Kiplinger · · 2m
Supercharge Retirement Savings While Working
Five overlooked strategies to boost retirement savings without maxing out your 401(k).
In brief
Five overlooked strategies to boost retirement savings without maxing out your 401(k). People who maxed their 401(k) match can use HSAs, pretax/Roth choices, mega backdoor Roths, backdoor Roth IRAs, and taxable accounts to grow tax-advantaged retirement savings. Originally reported by Kiplinger.
Maxed 401(k) match? Start here
If you've already captured your full 401(k) match, you've covered the basics but missed bigger opportunities for retirement savings.
HSA's triple tax benefits
Health savings accounts offer a rare triple tax advantage: pretax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.
2026 HSA contribution limits
For 2026, self-only HSA contributions cap at $4,400 and family coverage at $8,750, plus $1,000 if 55 or older.
HSA flexibility for medical costs
You can pay medical costs out of pocket now, let the HSA grow untouched for decades, and reimburse yourself years later for eligible expenses.
Pretax vs. Roth 401(k) choices
Most people never actively decide between pretax contributions that reduce taxable income now or Roth contributions that offer tax-free withdrawals later.
2026 401(k) deferral limits
For 2026, the 401(k) employee deferral limit is $24,500, with an additional $8,000 available if 50 or older.
2026 Roth catch-up rule
If your 2025 FICA wages exceeded $150,000, your 2026 catch-up contributions must be made as Roth contributions.
Mega backdoor Roth for higher earners
Higher earners who've maxed out 401(k) accounts can save beyond standard limits by using after-tax contributions converted to Roth.
2026 mega backdoor Roth limits
For 2026, the combined 401(k) employee-and-employer contribution limit is $72,000, or 100% of your compensation if less.
Backdoor Roth IRA stacking
You can fund a backdoor Roth IRA and execute a mega backdoor Roth in the same year if you're eligible for both strategies.
Taxable brokerage account benefits
Taxable brokerage accounts offer no contribution limits, no income caps, and no early withdrawal penalties for flexible retirement savings.
2026 capital gains tax brackets
For 2026, married couples filing jointly can enjoy 0% federal long-term capital gains tax on income up to $98,900.
Tax-loss harvesting
Selling investments at a loss can offset capital gains and up to $3,000 of ordinary income, subject to wash-sale rules.
Start with your tax situation
Prioritize strategies that fit your tax bracket, savings capacity, and need for flexibility before retirement age.
In short
People who maxed their 401(k) match can use HSAs, pretax/Roth choices, mega backdoor Roths, backdoor Roth IRAs, and taxable accounts to grow tax-advantaged retirement savings.
