<prompt> Human: I just discovered that I can do additional after tax contributions to my 401k as Roth deferrals. I know total contributions between my employer and I must end at 52k a year. I make 120k a year and my goal is to retire early.My employer matches 10 and I max my 401k, so thats 30k right there. In addition, my employer sometimes does profit sharing - last year it was 2 of pay, but theres no way to know until they announce it. So far I have maxed a Roth IRA and my 401k contributions, so I thought the next step would be taxable accounts, where currently the rest of my savings go. Now with Roth 401k contributions in the mix, which essentially allow me to contribute another 22k minus any profit sharing. I am thinking I am missing out on another benefit.Heres the problem. I want to retire early, like I said. If I put most of my savings into retirement accounts, I cant access these funds until 59.5. Most people retiring early on this sub or rfinancialindependence retire early and rely on taxable account interestdividends 15 tax bracket is FREE until they reach full retirement age at 60. TL;DR: Should I contribute to the Roth 401k and try to do a 72t distribution in the future, or save my money in taxable accounts and rely on interest and dividends up to the 15 tax bracket?Edit: My plan does allow Roth Elective Deferrals, not after tax contributions. After doing more research at this link: it looks like I cant make Roth elective deferrals anyway if I am already maxing my 401k. The 18000 limit applies to the sum of both pre tax 401k and Roth 401k contributions.  <response>: To answer each part: Most people retiring early on this sub or rfinancialindependence1 retire early and rely on taxable account interestdividends 15 tax bracket is FREE until they reach full retirement age at 60. Part of the reason for that, is after-tax 401k plans are somewhat rare. Should I contribute to the Roth 401kWhat you described is an after-tax 401k, which is not quite the same as a Roth 401k. Its closely related, but separate. try to do a 72t distribution in the futureTheres another option as well: a Roth conversion ladder. After you convert money into a Roth IRA, once each dollar has been in there for 5 years, you can withdraw the converted amount tax-free. save my money in taxable accounts and rely on interest and dividends up to the 15 tax bracket?Thats always an option, and not one to be ignored either. The main differences between taxable and after-tax 401k: You can withdraw from a taxable account without taxes while in the 15 bracket, while Roth IRAs are tax-free for any amounts. You have to jump through fewer hoops to access your taxable money than a Roth IRA which the after-tax effectively becomes. You pay taxes while its still growing in a taxable account. This reduces the effective growth rate of your investment. You can only tax-loss harvest in taxable accounts; tax advantaged accounts lose this option. Tax efficiency becomes a larger concern.Overall, youll need to figure out on your own which is better, taxable investing or after-tax contributions to a 401k. Strictly in terms of cash value when you retire, the after-tax 401k is probably better for most people, but it depends on your tax situation now including state, how likely you will need the money early, and how long until you plan on retiring. So far I have maxed a Roth IRA and my 401k contributions, so I thought the next step would be taxable accounts, where currently the rest of my savings go.One suggestion: if youre young and in good health, you may want to consider getting a high deductible health plan and HSA. The premiums are often cheaper, and you gain access to another tax advantaged investment account, which in many situations is even better than a Roth IRA 