Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips

About this episode

This episode discusses retirement accounts, their tax benefits, and how to choose between pre-tax and post-tax options.

Retirement accounts are not just a vehicle to let your money grow over time for when you're ready to stop working. They're also a tax shelter. In this episode, we talk about how much you can expect to save in taxes, the difference between pre-tax and post-tax accounts, and how to decide which to prioritize. Spoiler: when in doubt, just pick one and get started. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Topics covered

• retirement accounts
• tax savings
• financial planning
• pre-tax accounts
• post-tax accounts
• investment strategies

Keywords

• retirement
• tax shelter
• financial advice
• investment
• savings
• pre-tax
• post-tax

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPR, Life Kit, Instagram, NPR Privacy Policy

More episodes of Life Kit

• Tired of eating leftovers? Turn your odds and ends into creative meals · June 11, 2026 · 18 min
• Used to be an avid reader? How to get back into books · June 9, 2026 · 11 min
• How to have a safe, healthy summer · June 8, 2026 · 18 min
• 5 simple ways to minimize stress · June 4, 2026 · 17 min
• Make your small space feel bigger · June 2, 2026 · 20 min
• Why spending time in the woods makes you feel calm · June 1, 2026 · 16 min