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My First Million

My First Million

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Build $30M+ tax-free retirement account through legal Roth IRA contribution loopholes

High-income earners with 401k plans that allow after-tax contributions and in-service withdrawals

30-40 years from age 21-30 to retirement

What Success Looks Like

Accumulate $30M+ in tax-free Roth IRA by retirement age, paying zero taxes on withdrawals

Steps to Execute

1

Start regular Roth IRA contributions ($7k/year) by age 21

2

At age 30, begin mega backdoor Roth via 401k ($70k/year)

3

Make after-tax 401k contributions up to IRS limit

4

Execute in-service withdrawals to roll to Roth IRA

5

Invest proceeds in broad market index funds

6

Continue annual contributions consistently for 30+ years

7

Let compound growth accumulate tax-free

Checklist

Verify 401k plan allows after-tax contributions
Confirm plan permits in-service withdrawals
Set up automatic contributions to maximize limits
Establish rollover process to Roth IRA
Choose low-cost index fund investments
Track contribution limits annually

Inputs Needed

  • 401k plan with mega backdoor capability
  • Consistent high income to support $77k annual contributions
  • Long time horizon (30+ years)
  • Basic understanding of IRS limits and rules

Outputs

  • $30M+ tax-free account value at retirement
  • Zero tax liability on withdrawals after 59.5
  • Estate planning benefits for heirs

Example

Software engineer starts at 25 with $7k Roth contributions, adds $70k mega backdoor at 30. After 35 years of S&P 500 returns, account worth $30M+ with zero future tax liability.