Should I fund my IRA or my 401(k) first?

Follow the priority order. First, contribute enough to your 401(k) to capture the full employer match – that's an instant 50% to 100% return you won't find anywhere else. After the match, an IRA is often the next dollar: it gives you broader investment choices and lower fees than many 401(k) plans, and a Roth IRA adds tax-free flexibility. Max the IRA ($7,000, or $8,000 if 50+ in 2025), then circle back to fill up your 401(k) toward its $23,500 employee limit ($31,000 with the 50+ catch-up). If your 401(k) is excellent and low-cost, you might keep funding it instead. The guiding rule: match first, then whichever account offers better investments and tax treatment for your situation.