Tax-free retirement strategies offer an effective way to diversify retirement savings and add a powerful layer of financial flexibility. By building a dedicated pool of tax-free assets—using vehicles specifically designed for tax-free growth and withdrawals—retirees gain more control over their future tax bills. These strategies can provide supplemental income in retirement that does not count toward Social Security or Medicare tax calculations, helping to avoid hidden tax traps. Starting early maximizes the growth in this "tax-free bucket." For many retirees and pre-retirees, contributing enough to a 401(k) to secure an employer match, then balancing additional contribution efforts toward tax-free accounts, can result in a smarter, more resilient retirement plan.