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Investment Strategies on Personal vs Pretax 401k Account

H
Oct 7, 2026 · 17:42

hi all, i’m currently 26 and i make \~110k in a VHCOL city in California.

currently I am maxing out my ROTH IRA, contributing 10% in my 401k with 6% match at 100%, and investing 300$ weekly into my individual brokerage (180$ VOO and 120$ QQQM)

my question is should I stop investing into my individual brokerage right now and max out my pre tax 401k first or should I continue the 300$ weekly investments and up my 401k contribution to 15%?

My current brokerage account has:
$16.3k in individual brokerage
$37.5k in my ROTH IRA
$86.9k in my PRE-TAX 401k
As well I have $136,000 sitting in a HYSA potentially for a house downpayment in the future.

With the cash I was also wondering if I should add more money into individual brokerage and not let it sit?

My current spendings are $1,300 for rent (living with roommates), $1,200 monthly individual brokerage investments, and $500-600 for groceries and eating out.

Would love to get to know your thoughts on my idea.