Foundations of Retirement Savings Accounts: 401(k)s, IRAs, and Beyond

The alphabet soup of retirement accounts — 401(k), Roth 401(k), traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, 403(b) — can be genuinely confusing, and the stakes of getting it wrong are compounded over decades of investing. Understanding the logic behind each account type, the tax treatment that makes them valuable, and the rules that govern contributions and withdrawals is the foundation of any sound retirement strategy. By the end of this course you will be able to explain the tax treatment of pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions, compare account types on key dimensions such as contribution limits and employer matching, describe the conditions governing early withdrawals, and identify which account or combination of accounts is appropriate for different income and employment situations. What you will learn: - The two fundamental tax strategies in retirement accounts: pre-tax deferral and Roth after-tax contribution, and the logic of choosing between them - 401(k) and 403(b) plans: how employer matching works, vesting schedules, and contribution limits - Traditional IRA: deductibility rules, income phase-outs, and the mandatory distribution requirements that begin at a specified age - Roth IRA: income eligibility limits, the five-year rule, qualified distributions, and the flexibility advantage in retirement - SEP IRA and SIMPLE IRA: how they work for self-employed individuals and small business owners - Required minimum distributions (RMDs): what they are, when they begin, and how they affect withdrawal planning - Rollover rules: how to move money between accounts without triggering taxes or penalties The course is organized as five reading modules with annotated contribution limit tables and comparison charts. Case studies illustrate how account selection plays out differently for an early-career employee, a self-employed professional, and a high-income earner approaching phase-out limits. Reflection prompts ask you to map your current accounts to the concepts covered. This course is designed for workers at any career stage who are new to retirement account concepts or want a more systematic understanding of accounts they already hold. No prior financial knowledge is required. This course is educational and informational; it does not substitute for advice from a licensed financial advisor or tax professional.