Retirement Accounts

This video is educational information only, not securities, tax, or investment advice, and not a recommendation to choose any specific retirement vehicle. Elevate Meridian is not a registered investment adviser. This lesson breaks down the key types of retirement accounts, explores the power of tax advantages and employer matches, and explains how to build a clear, sustainable strategy for your long-term future.

What you’ll learn

  • Explain how an employer 401(k) match works and why capturing it matters.
  • Identify the 2026 IRS contribution limits for 401(k)s and IRAs.
  • Distinguish between traditional and Roth account types.
  • Recognize when the traditional-vs-Roth decision needs professional input, not a generic rule

Key takeaways

  • Capture the full employer match first — it’s effectively free money before any investment growth.
  • 2026 limits: $24,500 for a 401(k), $7,500 for an IRA (under 50), $8,600 for an IRA (50+).
  • Traditional = tax break now, taxed on withdrawal later. Roth = taxed now, tax-free withdrawals later.
  • 401(k) and IRA limits are separate — you can max both in the same year

Your retirement resources

Plan for peace of mind with our curated retirement planning resources and actionable tools. This lesson walks you through account rules, annual contribution limits, and distribution guidelines in simple terms. Download our comparison checklists and retirement calculator worksheets to identify the right mix of accounts for your future. The key takeaway: consistent, automated retirement contributions today pave the way for total financial independence tomorrow.