An F-16 Fighting Falcon engine runs at full afterburner at Misawa Air Force Base, Japan. Courtesy: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Key Takeaways:
A 401(k) is likened to an "afterburner" for retirement savings, offering significantly higher contribution limits (up to $58,000 total with employer contributions in 2022) compared to an IRA, allowing for greater wealth accumulation over time.
It is strongly advised to contribute at least enough to a 401(k) to receive the full employer match, as this constitutes "free money" that substantially boosts retirement savings.
401(k) funds are portable; you can roll them over into an IRA when changing jobs, refuting the misconception that investments are permanently tied to a specific employer's plan (though employer contribution vesting periods should be noted).
One of the reasons I fly is that I love going fast. I’ve written about how putting interest to work for you is like having a jet engine where the faster you go, the faster you go. American tax law allows for some special retirement savings vehicles, like an individual retirement account (IRA) that allow us to really spool our engines up.
However, we can do even better.
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Jason Depew flies as a captain for a major U.S. airline. He is also an Air Force reservist and has flown more than 300 combat missions over Afghanistan and other garden spots. Based in Tampa, Florida, he instructs in the Icon A5 and anything else he can get his hands on. His writing is focused on personal finance for pilots with the goal to help all types of aviators enjoy great careers, sometimes in spite of themselves. You can send Jason questions at editorial@flying.media.
