Episode 17- Should You Really Max Out Your 401(k)? Rethinking Retirement Rules

Most of us have been told the same thing for years: “Always max out your retirement accounts.” But is that really the smartest move for everyone? In this episode of Compound Growth, Wheeler and Colin dig into the myths and realities of saving for retirement—exploring when conventional wisdom makes sense, and when it might not.

From 401(k)s and IRAs to Roth accounts and taxable brokerage accounts, the hosts break down how each fits into a financial plan. They explore the hidden costs of required minimum distributions, the power of employer matches, and how taxes can eat away at your nest egg if you don’t diversify where you save. Colin even shares his own decision-making process from last year, when he chose not to contribute to his 401(k)—and why it actually made sense for his family at the time.

Beyond the numbers, this episode touches on the importance of flexibility and choice in planning for the future. Wheeler and Colin show that personal finance isn’t about one-size-fits-all rules—it’s about asking questions, knowing your options, and building a strategy that works for your goals today and tomorrow.

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Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims