My company is a small business and doesn't offer any retirement plan. I've been wondering what options I actually have beyond a regular brokerage account.

After researching this for a few weeks, here's what I found: a traditional or Roth IRA ($7,000/year limit in 2024), an HSA if I have an eligible high-deductible health plan (which has triple tax advantages), a SEP-IRA if I have any self-employment income on the side (up to 25% of net self-employment income), and a taxable brokerage account for anything beyond those limits.

The IRA limit feels low compared to a 401k, but the combination of IRA + HSA + taxable brokerage is still a viable path to long-term wealth. The IRA contribution limit is the main frustration — I'd love to shelter more income.