retirement

The Most-Searched Retirement Accounts in America

Planning for retirement typically means choosing the right retirement account for you. However, there are tons of different options available, and it isn’t surprising that many people look up these accounts before making a decision. With that in mind, we dove…

By Kristin Hitchcock

Published December 12, 2024, 11:18am ET · 2 min read

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Planning for retirement typically means choosing the right retirement account for you. However, there are tons of different options available, and it isn’t surprising that many people look up these accounts before making a decision.

With that in mind, we dove into Google Trends to discover which retirement accounts are searched for the most. We compiled this list in a countdown style so that the most popular retirement accounts are towards the end.

Key Points from This Article

Wonderful sincere cheerful couple of gray haired mature smiling people taking selfie portrait on phone. Today's active retirees are enjoying life. A man with a gray beard and a woman in glasses. — Choosing at least one retirement account to invest in it important for financial wellbeing.

Many people do tons of research before deciding on what retirement account to open. There are many more options than many realize!
Of course, just because a retirement plan is popular doesn’t mean it’s the best for you. Doing your own research is important!
Also: Take this quiz to see if you’re on track to retire ^(Sponsored)

Why We’re Covering This

Retirement is a very common subject here at 24/7 Wall St.

We cover retirement a lot here at 24/7 Wall St. It’s a key part of long-term financial planning, after all! It’s only natural that we’d be interested in what retirement savings plans people tend to look for!

9. Thrift Savings Plan

Veterans Day. US soldiers. US army. USA patch flag on the US military uniform. United States Armed Forces. — These retirement vehicles are only open to certain individuals, like those in the military.

This plan is exclusive to federal employees and military members. It offers low-cost index funds and tax-advantaged growth to help employees save for retirement.

8. 401(b) Plans

Schoolgirl with folded hands sitting at school desk at lesson, copyspace — Only certain government entities, like schools, have access to these plans.

This plan is very similar to a 401(k) plan, but it’s designed explicitly for employees of non-profits, schools, and certain government entities.

7. Pension Plans

Pension savings. Senior couple planning budget at wooden table indoors — Pensions aren’t as common as they once were.

Pension plans are defined benefit plans provided by certain employers. However, they’re becoming less common today.

6. Health Savings Account (HSA)

health savings account HSA concept with application form,dollar money, stethoscope on desk. — HSAs can be a great way to save money for healthcare in retirement.

While not strictly a retirement account, HSAs are frequently searched for retirement planning due to their triple tax advantage and ability to save for healthcare costs.

5. Solo 401(k)

401(k) plan: A employer-sponsored retirement savings plan where employees can contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis and the funds grow tax-deferred until withdrawal in retirement. — This type of 401(k) is for self-employed individuals.

This 401(k) is designed for self-employed individuals who don’t have employees. It allows significant contributions and has both pre- and post-tax options.

4. SEP IRA

Closeup of stacked coin growth chart 2025. Man calculating financial planning. Concept of saving money, investment, emergency money, pension, insurance, interest or dividend. — This type of pension is rare today.

SEP stands for “simplified employee pension” and is designed for self-employed individuals and small businesses. It has a higher contribution limit than a traditional IRA.

3. Roth 401(k)

Roth 401(k)s aren’t as popular as a traditional 401(k).

A hybrid of 401(k) and Roth IRA benefits, offering post-tax contributions and tax-free withdrawals.

2. Roth IRA

Concept of IRA and Roth IRA write on paperwork isolated on wooden background. — A Roth IRA is one of the more popular retirement plans.

Roth IRAs are exceptionally common. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, and withdrawals are tax-free in retirement.

1. 401(k)

401k concept with a wooden cube and money on a black background. — Out of all retirement investment vehicles out there, 401(k)s are the most popular.

A 401(k) is easily one of the most popular retirement plans out there, but we highly recommend being able to answer these questions before investing in one. Many employers offer them and often include matching contributions. The growth is tax-deferred, meaning you don’t have to pay taxes on it until retirement.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Kristin Hitchcock

Kristin Hitchcock is a financial expert who has been writing on topics related to retirement for over eight years. Her knowledge spans a wide range of areas, including navigating the complexities of Social Security, developing sustainable investment strategies, and helping individuals achieve their retirement goals.
Throughout her career, she has written for various platforms, including several retirement communities, to ensure that seniors have access to clear and actionable financial advice.

Kristin is also an active investor with more than ten years of experience in a diverse range of investment strategies, including short-term trades, dividend stocks, and options. She enjoys simplifying complex trading concepts by writing easy-to-follow guides that help readers meet their investment goals.

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