<prompt> Human: The standard advice here is pretty sensible--emergency fund, then matched 401k, then max IRA, then max 401k.I understand the order of first two but why max the IRA before 401k? Is that only for folks who can contribute to a Roth IRA I cant due to income limits but I am aware of the backdoor loophole? Is it due to the greater variety of investment options an IRA offers? Im maxing both currently but trying to understand why the suggested ordering is the way it is...  <response>: You have complete control over your IRA and usually 401ks dont have very good fund selectionshave higher expense ratios. If you have a great 401k plan, then it doesnt really matter. 