Beyond the 401(k): Ways to Grow Retirement Savings

The Ultimate Guide to Retirement Investment Options Besides the 401k: What Every Woman Needs to Know

When most women think about saving for retirement, their minds jump straight to the 401k. And yes, if your employer offers one (especially with a match), it’s a powerful starting point. But the 401k isn’t the only game in town.

There are plenty of other retirement investment options that deserve a spot on your radar, from IRAs to CDs to annuities, and even taxable brokerage accounts, bonds and real estate. Each comes with unique benefits, quirks, and yes, some drawbacks. The key is knowing how they work so you can decide which fit your personal plan.

IRAs: What They Are and Why They Matter

An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is one of the most common ways to save for retirement on your own. Unlike a 401k that comes through your employer, an IRA is something you set up yourself through a bank, brokerage or financial institution. The big advantage? Special tax breaks that help your money grow faster.

There are two main types of IRAs. In 2026, you can contribute up to $7,500 per year if you are under the age of 50 in either a traditional or Roth IRA, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older (the IRS allows an additional $1,100 as a “catch-up contribution”).

Traditional IRA

• How it works: You contribute pre-tax money (or claim a tax deduction on contributions). That lowers your taxable income today. Later, when you withdraw money in retirement, you pay regular income tax on it.
• Best for: People who think they’ll be in a lower tax bracket during retirement than they are today.

Roth IRA

• How it works: You contribute after-tax money, which means you don’t get a tax break upfront. But here’s the magic: once the money is in the account, it grows tax-free and when you withdraw in retirement, you don’t pay taxes at all. That includes your original contributions and the growth.
• Best for: People who expect to be in the same or a higher tax bracket in retirement, or anyone who wants the peace of mind of tax-free withdrawals later.

Contribution limits for 2026

• Under age 50: You can contribute up to $7,000 total across all IRAs (Roth and Traditional combined).
• Age 50 and older: You can contribute up to $8,000 thanks to something called a catch-up contribution. Once you hit age 50, the IRS lets you save an extra amount each year in an IRA to help “catch up” if you started later or want to boost your balance before retirement.

Roth IRA income limits (2026)

Not everyone can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA. Eligibility depends on your income. For 2026, here’s how the phase-outs work (IRS):

• Single filers:
  • Full contribution allowed if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is below $153,000
  • Partial contribution if MAGI is between $153,000-$168,000
  • No contribution allowed if MAGI is above $168,000

(Source: IRS 2026 IRA Contribution Limits)

Certificates of Deposit (CDs): The Safe but Steady Option

A Certificate of Deposit is one of the simplest financial tools that can help you grow your retirement savings with a more conservative approach. CDs are good for short- to medium-term savings strategies, helpful if you want to “park” money safely while still earning interest. You deposit money for a fixed period, usually ranging from a few months to several years, and the bank pays you a guaranteed interest rate. Interest rates fluctuate based on economic conditions like inflation, so check around with various banks for the best options.

Many women nearing retirement will hold funds in a CD to offer protection from market fluctuations for savings they will need in several months to five years. You can put any amount of money into a CD, but most banks will have a minimum of $500 to $1,000. If you are considering CDs as part of your investment portfolio, some things to keep in mind:

• CDs are safe and predictable: They are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.
• Your money is “locked” for a fixed period. You won’t be able to access the funds without paying a penalty, so this would not be a good option for money that you need to keep “liquid” or have immediate access to.
• “Laddering” can give you more flexibility. By opening multiple CDs with staggered end dates, you can have regular access to some of your cash.

Annuities: Turning Savings into Income

An annuity is a contract with an insurance company: you give them money, they give you income later. Think of it as creating your own pension. There are several types of annuities:

• Fixed annuity: Pays a guaranteed rate.
• Variable annuity: Payments depend on investments inside the annuity.
• Indexed annuity: Tied to a stock market index, with a cap on returns.

Annuities are often looked at as a controversial investment option, so it’s important to do your homework to see if this is a good option for you. On one hand, an annuity can guarantee income for life (if it is structured to do so) and grow tax-deferred. But they can also come with high fees, complex contracts that lack transparency and make it hard to access your money early.

Women who are worried about outliving their savings may find an annuity beneficial, but be sure you read the fine print and never buy what you don’t fully understand. While many people do benefit from annuities, they are also at risk for falling for high-pressure sales tactics and deceptive terms.

Brokerage Accounts: Flexibility and Control

A taxable brokerage account is an investment account you open on your own at a bank like Fidelity, Vanguard or Schwab. Unlike an IRA or 401k, there are no special tax breaks, but also no contribution limits or withdrawal restrictions.

A brokerage account can be a powerful investment tool for women who have maxed out tax-advantaged accounts like 401ks or IRAs. If you are considering opening a brokerage account, keep in mind:

• You can choose a variety of investment options. A brokerage account can hold stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, REITs and more.
• The money you earn will be taxed. You’ll pay taxes on dividends, interest and realized gains.
• It will offer flexibility that retirement accounts can’t. You can invest as much as you want, whenever you want. The same applies to selling and withdrawing your holdings.

Bonds: Adding Stability to Your Portfolio

Bonds are basically loans you give to a company or government. In return, they pay you interest over the life of the bond, and you get back your principal investment on a specific maturity date.

There are a few types of bonds. Treasury bonds are considered the safest, municipal bonds come with tax advantages and corporate bonds can deliver higher returns, but with a higher risk. Be mindful that some banks and brokerage firms may charge fees or commissions when you buy bonds, and often have minimum investment requirements.

Bonds come with several benefits:

• The interest payments you receive provide you with a regular, predictable income stream
• They are considered lower-risk than stocks, so can help balance the volatility of your investment portfolio
• Some bonds come with tax benefits; for example, the interest you earn with a municipal bond may be exempt from federal income tax and sometimes from state and local taxes as well.
• They are considered very safe

Women that are getting closer to their retirement date may shift more of their investment portfolio into bonds to protect them from the ups and downs of the stock market. As a general rule of thumb, experts advise that the older you are, the greater percentage of your investments should be in bonds.

Real Estate: Beyond Buying a Home or Rental Property

Another avenue for retirement investment options is real estate. That doesn’t have to mean owning a home or having rental properties. Real estate can be an asset in your investment portfolio though Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are stocks that you buy that give exposure to a broad portfolio of real estate properties, which is a whole lot less risky than owning a property.

REITs can be a good investment choice for women who want to diversify their investments.

Since you can buy and sell them just like stocks, they provide flexibility and greater access to liquid funds when you need them. They also typically pay dividends, which could amount to a steady income stream for you. They’re a great way for the average woman to invest in large-scale, income producing real estate projects.

High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs): Stash your cash for short-term needs

A HYSA isn’t an investment, but can be an important part of your savings mix. HYSAs typically pay a lot more interest than a regular savings account, and are FDIC insured. You can deposit and withdraw money just like you do in a regular savings or checking account. HYSAs are perfect place to keep your emergency fund.

Putting It All Together: Guidelines for your life stage

• 20s-30s: Focus on Roth IRA contributions, maxing employer plans and building an emergency fund in a HYSA. Start small with brokerage accounts if you can.
• 40s: Add diversification through bonds and REITs (and maybe consider annuities).
• 50s: Max out on catch-up contributions, reevaluate your mix to reduce risk and consider annuities for income planning.
• 60s and beyond: Focus on income streams and stability. Think about when to draw from each account for maximum tax efficiency.

You don’t need to master every single investment option today. What matters is knowing what’s out there, choosing what makes sense for you and getting started. Whether you’re opening your first Roth IRA, experimenting with CDs or exploring real estate through a REIT, every step you take in investing is a step toward your retirement.

Quick Comparison of Retirement Investment Options

Option	Contribution Limits (2026)	Taxes	Pros	Cons	Best For
Traditional IRA	$7,500/year (<50); $8,600/year (50+)	Tax-deductible now; withdrawals taxed later	Lower taxes today; flexible investments	Withdrawals taxed as income; RMDs at 73	Women expecting lower income tax rate in retirement
Roth IRA	$7,500/year (<50); $8,600/year (50+); income limits apply	Contributions after-tax; withdrawals tax-free	Tax-free growth; no RMDs	Income phase-outs; no upfront tax break	Younger women or those expecting higher taxes later
CDs	No limit	Interest taxed annually	Safe, FDIC insured; predictable	Low returns; money locked up	Short-term savings, conservative investors
Annuities	No official IRS limit; depends on contract	Grows tax-deferred; withdrawals taxed	Guaranteed income; longevity protection	Complex, high fees, low liquidity	Women worried about outliving savings
Brokerage Account	No limit	Taxed on dividends, interest, capital gains	Unlimited contributions; flexible	No tax perks	Women maxing out IRAs/401ks who want to invest more
Bonds	No limit	Interest usually taxed (munis may be tax-free)	Steady income; less volatile than stocks	Lower returns than stocks; inflation risk	Balancing risk as retirement approaches
Real Estate/REITs	No limit	Rental income/capital gains taxed	Tangible asset; income potential; diversification	Illiquid; can be risky	Women seeking diversification and long-term growth
HYSA	No limit	Interest taxed	Liquid, safe, FDIC insured; great for emergencies	Low returns; inflation beats interest	Emergency funds, short-term savings

How $50,000 Could Grow in Different Investments

Option	Assumed Avg. Annual Return	Balance After 10 Years	Balance After 20 Years	Notes
CDs	3%	$67,200	$90,300	Very safe, FDIC insured; good for short-term stability but limited growth
Bond Fund	4%	$74,000	$109,600	Provides steady income; less volatile than stocks, but inflation risk
Annuity (fixed, 4%)	4%	$74,000	$109,600	Similar growth to bonds, but may provide lifetime income if structured that way
S&P 500 ETF (stocks)	7%	$98,400	$196,700	Strong long-term growth, but market ups and downs along the way
REITs (real estate investment trusts)	6%	$89,500	$160,400	Potential for income and appreciation; more volatile than bonds and CDs
Roth IRA invested in stock ETF	7%	$98,400 (tax-free at withdrawal)	$196,700 (tax-free at withdrawal)	Same growth as ETF, but withdrawals are tax-free in retirement
Traditional IRA invested in stock ETF	7%	$98,400 (tax-deferred)	$196,700 (tax-deferred)	Same growth as ETF, but withdrawals taxed as income later

Assumptions:

• Annualized returns based on historical averages: CDs 3%, bonds/annuities 4%, REITs 6%, stocks/ETFs 7%.
• Dividends and interest reinvested.
• No fees, inflation, or taxes (except where noted for IRAs) included in projections.
• Roth IRA assumes qualified withdrawals in retirement (tax-free).
• Traditional IRA assumes withdrawals taxed as ordinary income in retirement.

 

FAQ: Retirement Account Options Beyond the 401(k)

Is just a 401(k) enough to save for retirement?

For most people, a 401(k) can be a solid foundation to your retirement savings plan, but not enough on its own. Having a diversified portfolio of workplace and individual accounts is a way to set yourself up for success.

What are the best retirement investment options besides a 401(k)?

While a 401(k) is a popular retirement savings tool, women have many other retirement investment options to consider, including Roth IRAs, Traditional IRAs, brokerage accounts, bonds, annuities, certificates of deposit (CDs), real estate investments, REITs and high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs). A diversified retirement portfolio often includes a mix of several of these options.

What is the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA?

A Traditional IRA may provide a tax deduction today, but withdrawals are taxed in retirement. A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals, including investment growth, are completely tax-free in retirement. Many women choose a Roth IRA for its long-term tax advantages and flexibility.

Who should consider opening a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA can be a smart choice for younger investors, women early in their careers or anyone who expects to be in the same or a higher tax bracket during retirement. Tax-free retirement income is one of the biggest benefits of a Roth IRA.

Are certificates of deposit (CDs) good for retirement savings?

CDs can play a role in retirement planning for women who prioritize safety and stability. They offer guaranteed interest rates and FDIC insurance protection, but generally provide lower returns than stocks or mutual funds. CDs are often used for short-term retirement goals or funds needed within the next few years.

What are annuities, and are they worth considering?

An annuity is a contract with an insurance company that can provide guaranteed retirement income. Some women use annuities to help protect against the risk of outliving their savings. However, annuities can be complex, expensive and difficult to exit early, making it important to understand the terms before investing.

What is a brokerage account, and how does it help with retirement planning?

A brokerage account is a flexible investment account that allows you to buy stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds and REITs without contribution limits. While brokerage accounts do not offer the tax advantages of retirement accounts, they can be valuable for women who have already maxed out their 401(k) and IRA contributions.

Why are bonds important in a retirement portfolio?

Bonds can provide steady income and help reduce overall portfolio volatility. As women approach retirement, many financial experts recommend increasing bond allocations to help preserve wealth and reduce exposure to stock market fluctuations.

What are REITs, and how can they help build retirement wealth?

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow investors to gain exposure to commercial and residential real estate without owning physical property. REITs can provide diversification, potential income through dividends and long-term growth opportunities for retirement investors.

Should I invest in real estate for retirement?

Real estate can be a powerful wealth-building tool, but direct property ownership isn’t the only option. Many women choose REITs as a lower-maintenance way to invest in real estate while maintaining liquidity and diversification within their retirement portfolio.

What role does a high-yield savings account (HYSA) play in retirement planning?

A HYSA is not technically an investment, but it is an important financial planning tool. High-yield savings accounts provide a safe place to keep emergency funds and short-term savings while earning more interest than traditional savings accounts.

How should retirement investment strategies change as I get older?

Retirement investing often evolves over time:

• 20s and 30s: Focus on Roth IRA contributions, employer retirement plans and emergency savings.
• 40s: Add diversification through bonds, REITs and taxable investment accounts.
• 50s: Maximize catch-up contributions and evaluate retirement income options.
• 60s and beyond: Prioritize income generation, tax-efficient withdrawals and portfolio stability.

Which retirement investment option has the highest long-term growth potential?

Historically, stock-based investments such as broad-market ETFs and index funds have delivered higher long-term returns than CDs, bonds or fixed annuities. However, they also come with greater short-term market volatility. The best retirement strategy balances growth potential with your personal risk tolerance and timeline.

Do I need to use every retirement investment option available?

No. Successful retirement planning is not about using every available investment. It’s about building a strategy that fits your goals, risk tolerance, tax situation and retirement timeline. Even small, consistent investments can make a meaningful difference over time.

Last Updated: 2026