In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, relying solely on a 401(k) may leave gaps in your retirement readiness. Building a robust nest egg demands creativity, diversification, and a strategic approach.

Expanding the Retirement Toolbox

Alternative retirement accounts offer savers new pathways to bolster their savings and optimize taxes.

These vehicles extend benefits beyond conventional employer plans, empowering individuals to take full control of their financial destiny and boost overall security.

• Traditional IRA: Tax-deferred growth allows contributions to be deducted from income. 2026 limit
• Roth IRA: After-tax contributions grow tax-free, with qualified withdrawals free of federal income tax; no lifetime RMDs. 2026 limit
• SEP IRA: For self-employed and small business owners. Contributions up to 25% of compensation or approximately $69,000 (2024 base, adjusted annually).
• SIMPLE IRA: Employee deferrals up to $17,000 ($21,000 age 50+) plus employer match; streamlined setup with higher limits under SECURE 2.0.

Harnessing Health Savings Accounts

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) stand out with triple tax advantages and flexibility. Contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses incur no tax.

After age 65, HSAs act similarly to a Traditional IRA: non-medical withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income without penalty. Prioritize HSA contributions once you’ve secured your employer match and built an emergency fund.

Self-Employed and Small Business Plans

For entrepreneurs and freelancers, specialized plans can supercharge savings.

Solo 401(k) accounts allow individuals with no employees (besides a spouse) to make salary deferrals up to $24,500 ($32,500 age 50+) and employer profit-sharing contributions. Options include pre-tax or Roth.

Multiple-Employer Plans (MEPs) and Pooled-Employer Plans (PEPs) are on the rise in 2026, offering streamlined administration and fiduciary oversight for gig workers and small businesses seeking collective retirement solutions.

Annuities for Lifetime Income

While traditional accounts focus on accumulation, annuities deliver guaranteed lifetime income streams—a private pension in today’s solo-driven retirement world.

Immediate and deferred annuities convert a lump sum into periodic payments that last for life. Hybrid long-term care annuities combine investment growth with insurance for potential medical needs, offering protection and income.

Diversify with Alternative Assets

Allocating a portion of retirement portfolios to non-traditional assets can smooth returns and enhance growth potential. Consider private equity, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and selected cryptocurrencies.

Although these investments may involve higher fees, limited liquidity, and less transparency, they often deliver superior risk-adjusted performance over time. In 2026, an increasing number of plan sponsors integrate private markets into target-date and multi-asset solutions.

Navigating Taxable Investments and Real Estate

Taxable brokerage accounts offer full liquidity and no contribution limits—ideal for reinvesting RMDs or seeding investments beyond tax-sheltered vehicles.

Direct real estate investment can generate rental income and capital appreciation, complementing traditional equity and bond exposures. Ensure proper due diligence to manage leverage, vacancy risk, and tax implications.

2026 Trends Shaping Retirement

Successful retirement preparation follows a hierarchy: secure employer matches first, prioritize debt repayment and emergency funds, then fund HSAs and IRAs before venturing into after-tax and fully taxable accounts.

By embracing these alternative strategies—each offering unique tax advantages, contribution limits, or income guarantees—you can build a diversified, resilient portfolio that adapts to changing regulations, market conditions, and personal goals.

As we move through 2026 and beyond, evolving plan designs, AI-driven planning tools, and expanded access for gig workers promise to reshape the retirement landscape. Start integrating these approaches today to secure unwavering peace of mind tomorrow.