The 401(k) might be the most common retirement plan in America — but its “benefits” aren’t as impressive as they seem. In this episode, I revisit the traditional 401(k), explain what actually makes it valuable, and why that list is shorter than most people think. You’ll learn how tax-deferred contributions really work, when employer matches can make a difference, and why contribution limits and portability matter for long-term planning.

I also break down why the 401(k) still plays a major role in most retirement strategies — even as its weaknesses become more obvious.

Next week, we’ll dive into the cons of the 401(k) and how they might affect your financial future.

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Chapters🕓
00:00 - Tank’s Cameo and Recap
00:41 - Why the 401(k) Still Matters in Retirement Planning
01:09 - How Retirement Is Evolving for Younger Generations
01:32 - The Biggest Benefit: Tax-Deferred Growth
02:13 - The Roth 401(k) Explained
02:42 - Employer Contributions: The “Free Money” Advantage
03:01 - Understanding Vesting and Staying Power
03:32 - Higher Contribution Limits vs. IRAs
04:17 - More Investment Options Than Ever Before
04:47 - Portability and Legal Protections (ERISA)
05:03 - The Short List: Few Real Benefits Remain
05:28 - The 401(k)’s Role in a Modern Financial Ecosystem
06:09 - What’s Next: The Cons of the 401(k)