Should I max out my 401(k)?
Yes, after first capturing your employer's full match. Max contribution for 2026 is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+). Ahead of maxing, prioritize: emergency fund, employer match, high-interest debt payoff. After maxing 401(k), consider HSA, Roth IRA, then taxable brokerage.
More context
Yes, after first capturing your employer's full match. Max contribution for 2026 is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+). Ahead of maxing, prioritize: emergency fund, employer match, high-interest debt payoff. After maxing 401(k), consider HSA, Roth IRA, then taxable brokerage. The exact answer depends on your specific situation — the numbers above are a strong starting point, but the right next step is to plug in your actual figures.
For a deeper analysis, use one of the related tools below — they take your specific income, debt, location, and goals as inputs and produce a tailored answer.