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Carry vs Vanguard
Contribute up to $66,000, invest in any asset class with tax-free compounding, and make Roth contributions up to $22,500 for 2023 – all for just $299/year, with no fees for your assets under management*.
How the Carry Solo 401k is better suited for you
Enjoy the highest contribution limits, a mega-sized Roth account, tax-free compounding, and an integrated investment platform built directly into Carry*. Get all the benefits of the Carry Solo 401k for just one low yearly fee.
Invest in any asset class
The Vanguard Solo 401k only allows you to invest in Vanguard mutual funds. You can’t invest in individual stocks, ETFs, or alternative assets. With Carry, you could invest in any asset class, including alternative assets like crypto, real estate, and private equity*.
Mega backdoor Roth solo 401k
The Carry Solo 401k offers a mega backdoor Roth solo 401k, while the Vanguard Solo 401k does not. With a mega backdoor Roth, you can put away up to $66,000 entirely into a Roth solo 401k for 2023, instead of being bound by the regular $22,500 limit.
Modern interface
Carry has the most modern, intuitive solo 401k user experience. You can fill out & sign documents, make contributions, and invest your solo 401k funds* directly from within the app. If you need help, customer support is always readily available to assist you.
| Features | Carry Solo 401k | Vanguard Solo 401k |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $299/year for unlimited investments*. | Free to set up, $20/fund per year. Each fund you invest in adds $20/year to your bill (waived if you have over $50,000 in qualifying Vanguard assets). |
| Roth option | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mega backdoor Roth | ✅ | ❌ |
| Investment options | Any asset class* | Only Vanguard mutual funds |
| Alternative investments | ✅ | ❌ |
| Checkbook control | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rollovers | ✅ | Only IRAs |
| Invest in crypto | ✅ | ❌ |
| Invest in NFTs | ✅ | ❌ |
| Invest in traditional assets | Yes, all traditional assets including any individual stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds*. | Yes, but only Vanguard mutual funds |
| Invest in real estate | ✅ | ❌ |
| Invest in private equity | ✅ | ❌ |
Why business owners love the Carry Solo 401k
The Carry Solo 401k has everything you want in a retirement investment account including the highest contribution limits, full flexibility and control over your tax benefits, dedicated onboarding and compliance support, and checkbook control to invest in any asset class, including alternative assets like crypto, real estate, and private equity*.
The highest contribution limits
Contribute up to $61,000 for 2022 and $66,000 for 2023. That’s 10x higher than an IRA and 3x higher than a regular 401k. Invest up to $22,500 into a Roth account and get tax-free withdrawals in retirement*.
Integrated investment platform
We made it incredibly simple to make contributions and start investing your solo 401k funds. Set elections, make contributions, and invest in assets directly through the app*.
Invest in alternative investments
The Carry Solo 401k comes with checkbook control, allowing you to invest in any asset class including alternative assets like real estate, crypto, NFTs, and private equity*.
Full onboarding and compliance support
The solo 401k is traditionally a hassle to set up, with many moving parts, compliance checks, and a mountain of paperwork. With Carry, it’s over before you know it through our simple sign up flow.
Prototype vs non-prototype plans
The Vanguard Solo 401k is a prototype plan, while the Carry Solo 401k is a self-directed, non-prototype plan. Prototype plans are offered at a lower cost because they come with minimum features and restricted investment options.
A self-directed solo 401k, like the Carry Solo 401k Plan, offers full investment control* and flexibility in tax benefits each year. You can generally do more with a non-prototype plan, such as invest your funds into a Roth account, rollover assets from other retirement accounts, and perform a mega backdoor Roth solo 401k.
Carry is trusted and backed by the world’s top entrepreneurs, creators and money experts.
“The level of insight you get in terms of your money management is not something I’ve seen on any other apps I’ve used.”
3500
Early Stage Users
100+
Startup founders have invested in Carry
$5M+
In preseed funding
Built by the team that built:
“The Carry Solo 401k is a retirement plan so powerful and flexible that it feels like you’re getting access to a tax loophole.”
Elizabeth Yin
Cofounder, Hustle Fund
“Every business owner, creator, and self-employed person should have one. The benefits and tax savings each year are a no-brainer.”
Sebastian Fung
Owner, Ask Sebby
“Carry built something I’ve wanted to exist for a long time – the modern solo 401k with all the best features and full admin support.”
Nate O’Brien
Investor & YouTuber
Sign Up to Carry and get all-inclusive access to all of our products
Carry is an annual membership that includes:
Solo 401k
Ownership of an Carry Solo 401k plan, contribute up to $66,000 for 2023, and invest in any asset class with tax-free compounding.
Education
Access to Carry’s entire library of on-demand finance and business courses (including all summit replays). Plus join in on our live webinars and AMAs with guest experts.
Carry IRAs (Roth + Traditional) You’ll get immediate access to both accounts on any plan**.
Personalized Financial Plans Starting at the end of May, access a custom financial plan built by our financial advisors for your specific financial situation and goals (only available on our Professional Plan)*.
“Ask an Advisor”
Get advice from our team of financial experts (only available on our Professional Plan)*.
Full Support
Onboarding, compliance, and tax-filing support. Get help from our world class support team any time you need assistance.
Basic Plan ($399 $299/year)
Carry Solo 401k Plan
Carry IRAs (Traditional + Roth)†
Security & compliance monitoring, full onboarding support and account administration assistance.
On-demand courses uploaded regularly on a variety of personal + business finance topics
Live events with financial guest experts, both workshops and AMA style conversations
Professional Plan ($999 $499/year)
Carry Solo 401k Plan
Carry IRAs (Traditional + Roth)†
Security & compliance monitoring, full onboarding support and account administration assistance.
On-demand courses uploaded regularly on a variety of personal + business finance topics
Live events with financial guest experts, both workshops and AMA style conversations
Plus: Personalized financial plan)◊
Plus: Access to “Ask an Advisor”◊
Sign Up to Carry and get all-inclusive access to all of our products
Carry is an annual membership that includes:
Solo 401k
Ownership of an Carry Solo 401k plan, contribute up to $66,000 for 2023, and invest in any asset class through your plan with tax-free compounding.
Education
Access to Carry’s entire library of on-demand finance and business courses (including all summit replays). Plus join in on our live webinars and AMAs with guest experts.
Carry IRAs (Roth + Traditional) You’ll get immediate access to both accounts on any plan.†
Personalized Financial Plans Starting at the end of May, access a custom financial plan built by our financial advisors for your specific financial situation and goals (only available on our Professional Plan).◊
“Ask an Advisor”
Get advice from our team of financial experts (only available on our Professional Plan).◊
Full Support
Onboarding, compliance, and tax-filing support. Get help from our world class support team any time you need assistance.
Basic Plan ($299/year)
Carry Solo 401k Plan
Carry IRAs (Traditional + Roth)†
Security & compliance monitoring, full onboarding support and account administration assistance.
On-demand courses uploaded regularly on a variety of personal + business finance topics
Live events with financial guest experts, both workshops and AMA style conversations
Professional Plan ($499/year)
Carry Solo 401k Plan
Carry IRAs (Traditional + Roth)†
Security & compliance monitoring, full onboarding support and account administration assistance.
On-demand courses uploaded regularly on a variety of personal + business finance topics
Live events with financial guest experts, both workshops and AMA style conversations
Plus: Personalized financial plan◊
Plus: Access to “Ask an Advisor”◊