Should I contribute past the 401K pre-tax limit?

[The Muse]

At my next paycheck, I'll have contributed the pre-tax max of $15,500 for the year to my 401K.

Is there any guideline for whether I should continue to contribute post-tax dollars, or put that money into other investments through the end of the year?

I'm in my early 30's, if that makes a difference.

[Russ]

IRA's? Do you have HSA's?

[Michelle]

Roth IRA? That's what my dh does.

[Greebo]

First of all, have you figured out how much you need to retire? If not - lets use 15% as the target (picked cause thats the # DR uses)

I would invest in this order, up to and ONLY up to the 15% mark. If at any point you top 15% following these, stop.
1) 401k ONLY UP TO MATCHING. A free 100% is a free 100%. Thats impossible to beat.
2) ROTHs up to the max.
3) Back into the 401k up to the limit
4) If at this point there's still money to be invested, go into good growth stock mutual funds with the guidance of a good adviser. Don't go cheap on paying for the advice - you get what you pay for in this arena.

Why the Roth before the 401k non match?

Because Roth money is POST tax- which means when it grows, and you pull money out, you will not pay taxes on it. 401k money is pre tax, so you will pay taxes on money you pull out at retirement. While the pre-tax investment is good - tax free money later is really awesome because by the the time you retire, your goal is to be HIGHLY TAXABLE right? (stinking rich, in other words)

[The Muse]

It looks like I should stop the 401K contributions at my next check and figure out my next move.

We're not eligible for a Roth because of our income

[Greebo]

It looks like I should stop the 401K contributions at my next check and figure out my next move.

We're not eligible for a Roth because of our income

It's a terrible problem to have...

Well - in that case, if you still haven't hit 15%, then I'd start looking into other forms of investment. Directly purchased mutual funds, real estate, etc.