3 Types of Investment Accounts Everyone Should Have When you invest in the stock market, it helps to understand the different account types that help your money grow: 1️⃣ 401(k) or 403(b): Employer-sponsored retirement plans that let you invest pre-tax income. Many employers offer a match — which is essentially free money for your future. 2️⃣ IRA (Individual Retirement Account): A personal retirement account you open yourself. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth; Roth IRAs grow tax-free.