Account types

Each account type changes how the investments inside it are taxed. The investments don't change; the tax treatment does. These primers cover the US tax-advantaged accounts (Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 401(k), HSA) plus the non-registered baseline.

Roth Individual Retirement Account (Roth IRA)
A US retirement account funded with after-tax dollars where investment growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
Read primer
Traditional Individual Retirement Account (Traditional IRA)
A US retirement account where contributions may be tax-deductible and growth is tax-deferred; withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.
Read primer
401(k) Plan
An employer-sponsored US retirement plan with high contribution limits, frequently paired with an employer match.
Read primer
Health Savings Account (HSA)
A US account paired with a high-deductible health plan; triple-tax-advantaged when used for qualified medical expenses.
Read primer
Non-registered account
An ordinary taxable investment account with no contribution limits, where gains, dividends, and interest are taxed in the year they're earned.
Read primer