The 401k Mistake That Could Cost You
Mon Feb 02 2026
Most people lock up money too early in retirement accounts and miss flexibility when opportunities show up. In this episode we walk through how we’d think about allocating $10k, $100k, and $1M, why we prioritize the employer match, how a self-directed IRA can expand options, and the tradeoffs between post tax dollars, real estate, and diversified holdings.
Timestamps
0:00 - Setup & stakes
1:06 - Matching the 401k
1:33 - Why going past the match could hurt
3:27 - 401k loan used strategically
6:44 - The “idle cash” mistake
7:42 - Rolling into a self-directed IRA
10:55 - Roth vs Traditional tradeoffs
21:32 - Unlock the IRA
47:47 - Final lessons
This video is for education only. Not financial, legal, or tax advice. No results are guaranteed. Individuals are urged to do their own research and consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
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Most people lock up money too early in retirement accounts and miss flexibility when opportunities show up. In this episode we walk through how we’d think about allocating $10k, $100k, and $1M, why we prioritize the employer match, how a self-directed IRA can expand options, and the tradeoffs between post tax dollars, real estate, and diversified holdings. Timestamps 0:00 - Setup & stakes 1:06 - Matching the 401k 1:33 - Why going past the match could hurt 3:27 - 401k loan used strategically 6:44 - The “idle cash” mistake 7:42 - Rolling into a self-directed IRA 10:55 - Roth vs Traditional tradeoffs 21:32 - Unlock the IRA 47:47 - Final lessons This video is for education only. Not financial, legal, or tax advice. No results are guaranteed. Individuals are urged to do their own research and consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.