Containers: Where Your Money Lives
What Is a Container?
Most people think they need a 401(k) to start investing. Or a Roth IRA. Or some special account they’ve never heard of. They think the account is the plan.
It isn’t.
A container is simply where your money lives. That’s it. Nothing more. Nothing magical. Nothing complicated.
You’ve used containers your whole life — you just didn’t call them that:
- A cookie jar is a container.
- Cash in the mattress is a container.
- A checking account is a container.
- A 401(k) is a container.
- A Roth IRA is a container.
- A brokerage account is a container.
Some containers are physical. Some are digital. Some are tax‑advantaged. Some are not. But they all do the same job:
They hold money until you decide what to do with it.
Once you see containers this way, the fear drops away. You realize you don’t need the “perfect” account to start. You don’t need to understand tax law. You don’t need to wait for your employer to offer something. You don’t need permission.
You just need a place to put money.
Comparison of Common Containers
| Container | What It Is | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cookie Jar | Cash in a jar at home | Immediate access, simple, physical | No growth, no protection, easy to spend | Short‑term cash, kids, visual savings |
| In the Mattress | Cash hidden at home | Feels “safe,” no bank needed | No growth, inflation loss, risk of theft | People avoiding banks (not long‑term) |
| Checking Account | Everyday spending account | Easy access, digital, safe | No growth, not for investing | Bills, daily money flow |
| Savings Account | Bank account for saving | Safe, small interest | Very low growth, not an investment | Short‑term goals, emergency fund |
| Brokerage Account | Basic investing account | Flexible, easy to open, no limits | No tax advantages | Investing anytime, simple starting point |
| Traditional IRA | Tax‑deferred retirement account | Tax break now, grows tax‑deferred | Penalties for early withdrawal | Long‑term retirement savings |
| Roth IRA | Tax‑free retirement account | Tax‑free growth, flexible contributions | Income limits, annual caps | Long‑term retirement with tax‑free growth |
| 401(k) | Employer retirement plan | High limits, employer match | Limited investment choices | Employees maximizing retirement savings |
So Which Container Should You Choose?
If you’re just getting started, the simplest and most universal answer is:
Why This One?
- Anyone can open one
- You can open it in minutes
- No employer required
- No income limits
- No contribution caps
- You can buy the S&P 500 in it
- Automation is easy
- You can add other containers later
A brokerage account is the default container — the one that removes friction and gets you moving.
If you’re unsure where to start, keep it simple:
Pick a brokerage account. Let’s keep this easy.