What Do I Do After Maxing Out My 401(k) and IRA?

Once you’ve hit your retirement account contribution limits, several other strategies can help grow your wealth.

Reaching your 401(k) and IRA limits opens the door to other tax-smart wealth-building strategies. Cagkan Sayin/Shutterstock

If you’ve maxed out your 401(k) and IRA, there are still further ways to continue amplifying your retirement savings.

Your financial plan has plenty of room for development. Let’s take a look at some of your options.

Focus on a Taxable Account

A brokerage account has no contribution limits. And you can access your funds at any time without penalty. However, you will owe capital gains taxes when you sell appreciated assets within the account. Still, this may at times work in your favor.

As long as you sell appreciated assets that you’ve held for longer than a year, you will face the more favorable long-term capital gains tax rates. These rates are lower than your ordinary income tax rates, which would apply when you make qualified withdrawals from a traditional IRA or 401(k).

Depending on your income and filing status, long-term capital tax rates can be zero percent, 15 percent, or 20 percent.

But just as you’ve maintained a diversified portfolio within your 401(k) and IRA, it’s important to stick to that rationale when investing in your brokerage account.

You can consider low-fee ETFs and index funds, as well as tax-efficient municipal bonds. A qualified financial adviser can help you develop a diversified portfolio that meets your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial needs.

Maximize an HSA

As we age, our health naturally becomes a bigger concern. Unfortunately, that also means that healthcare expenses can become exceptionally burdensome. According to an analysis by Fidelity Investments, a 65-year-old retiring today could spend $172,500 on healthcare expenses in retirement.

And to make matters worse, healthcare cost inflation tends to rise faster than traditional inflation.

But you can set up some defenses now. If you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can pair it with a health savings account (HSA). This distinct savings vehicle offers a triple-tax advantage. Your contributions will reduce your taxable income. Money grows tax-free. And withdrawals are tax-free when used on qualified medical expenses.

Many providers also let you invest your HSA dollars in growth-oriented securities like ETFs and mutual funds.

In 2026, the maximum contribution for HSAs is $4,400 if you’re covered by an HDHP for yourself, or $8,750 if you have family coverage.

Make After-Tax Contributions

The 2026 employee contribution limit for 401(k)s is $24,500 for those under 50. Those aged 50 and over can make additional “catch-up” contributions of up to $8,000 for a total of $32,500.

If your plan allows it, participants between the ages of 60 and 63 can contribute up to an additional $11,250 in 2026 instead of the $8,000 for a total of $35,750.

However, many companies also make matching contributions to their employees’ 401(k) plans. And the total 401(k) employee and employer contribution limit for 2026 is $72,000 for those under the age of 50.

But let’s say your contributions plus your employer’s contributions for 2026 don’t add up to $72,000. If your plan allows it, you can fill the gap with after-tax contributions to your 401(k).

The good news here is that “catch-up” and “super catch-up” contributions still apply.

So if you’re 51, your total employee and employer contributions can reach $72,000 + $8,000 or $80,000. And if the plan allows for “super catch-up contributions,” the total amount saved could reach $83,250 ($72,000 + $11,250).

Moreover, you may want to look into the mega backdoor Roth method as well if your plan allows you to make after-tax contributions to your 401(k).

Contribute to a 529 Plan

With the skyrocketing costs of higher education, sending your child to college can be a major financial strain. Luckily, 529 college savings plans have substantial contribution limits that could stretch into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

And these could be highly beneficial for your child. Money in a 529 plan grows tax-free. And withdrawals are tax-free when they cover qualified educational expenses like tuition and materials required for enrollment.

Many 529 plan providers offer a vast menu of investment options. These may include age-based portfolios. Similar to target-date funds, these portfolios automatically change their asset allocation to become more conservative over time.

Pay Down Debt

Growing high-interest debt can place a major barrier between yourself and your financial freedom. So if you have excess funds to pay off this debt, it could be a good idea to get started. Credit cards can carry some of the highest interest rates around. But you should also consider paying off your mortgage as your home can be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make.

The Bottom Line

Even after maxing out your 401(k) and IRA, you can still stretch your retirement savings, enhance your overall financial plan, and establish a legacy. Consider actions like amplifying your brokerage account portfolio, maximizing your HSA, and supporting your child’s education through a 529 plan. A qualified financial adviser can also guide you through developing a comprehensive financial roadmap that could help you meet your long-term goals.

The Epoch Times copyright © 2026. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.