NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast Managing Money in Your Marriage and How to Build Wealth Without a Side Hustle
Dec 25, 2025
Discover the truth about wealth-building myths and the benefits of consistent investing through a 9-to-5 job. Explore the debate on whether Roth IRAs are overrated compared to Roth 401(k)s. Listen to a couple navigate aligning their financial goals and values. They discuss good vs. bad debt, budgeting for new opportunities, and the importance of emergency funds. Learn practical next steps for retirement planning and the pros and cons of 529 plans versus taxable accounts for kids' future savings.
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Becoming Wealthy Without A Business
- You can become a millionaire by consistently investing salary income over decades instead of owning a business.
- Many millionaires achieve that mainly through steady retirement contributions and long-term market growth.
Favor Roth 401(k) For Bigger Roth Contributions
- Prefer a Roth 401(k) over a Roth IRA if your employer offers it and you need higher contribution limits.
- Use Roth 401(k)s to avoid income limits and access employer matches while saving larger post-tax amounts.
Roth IRA Offers Investment Flexibility
- Roth IRAs offer broader investment choices and shopping flexibility compared with many employer 401(k) plans.
- That flexibility can lower long-term costs if your 401(k) plan has limited options or higher expenses.