Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips

Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips

From Life Kit: Money by NPR

May 7, 2026 · 11 min

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
  • pre-tax accounts
  • post-tax accounts
  • financial planning

Keywords

  • retirement
  • tax shelter
  • financial advice
  • investment accounts
  • savings

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPR, Life Kit, Instagram, pcm.adswizz.com, NPR Privacy Policy

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