SC
StratiCo
Registered Investment Advisory
2026 Creator Guide
For Fitness Creators & Self-Employed Athletes

Your income is
extraordinary.
Your tax strategy
should be too.

Most fitness creators have never heard of the investment accounts available to them as self-employed earners. These accounts don't just build wealth — they can dramatically reduce what you owe the IRS every single year.

Step Zero
How you get paid determines what you can access
Your business structure is the gatekeeper. The good news: most creators already qualify for the most powerful accounts available to any American.
Sole Proprietor
Earn directly as an individual. Schedule C filer. No formal entity needed.
SEP IRA ✓Solo 401(k) ✓Roth IRA ✓Trad IRA ✓
Single-Member LLC
Taxed as a sole prop — same retirement access, but with liability protection.
SEP IRA ✓Solo 401(k) ✓Roth IRA ✓Trad IRA ✓
S-Corporation
Pay yourself a W-2 salary. Can significantly reduce self-employment tax on top profits.
SEP IRA ✓Solo 401(k) ✓*Roth IRA ✓Trad IRA ✓
C-Corporation
Separate taxable entity. Contributions based on W-2 compensation from the corp.
Corp 401(k) ✓Roth IRA ✓Trad IRA ✓SEP — Limited
W-2 Employee Only
Content creation is not your primary self-employment income. Access is limited.
Employer 401(k)Roth IRA ✓Trad IRA ✓SEP — No
The Unlock Moment
The second brand deals and content income qualifies as self-employment — even alongside a W-2 — you gain access to the most powerful retirement accounts in America.
Max OptionsMax Contributions
The Four Accounts
SEP IRA
Simplified Employee Pension
The easiest high-contribution account a creator can open.
2026 Max Contribution
$70,000
or 25% of net self-employment income — whichever is less
Tax Going In
Pre-Tax
Reduces your taxable income dollar for dollar this year
Tax Coming Out
Taxable
Withdrawals taxed as ordinary income in retirement
Early Withdrawal
10%
Penalty + income tax if withdrawn before age 59½
Income Limit
None
No ceiling — any self-employment income qualifies
Deadline to Fund
Tax Day
Can fund for prior tax year up to filing deadline + extensions
Prerequisites & Requirements
✓Self-employment income required — brand deals, affiliate, sponsorships all count
✓EIN or SSN accepted — no formal entity required
✓Sole prop, LLC, and S-Corp all fully qualify
!If you have employees, you must contribute the same percentage for them as for yourself
✗No Roth (after-tax) option — pre-tax contributions only
✗Employer contributions only — no employee salary deferral component
ILLUSTRATIVE
Illustrative Tax Savings — SEP IRA
Creator Earns
$150K
SEP Contribution
$37,500
Taxable Income
$112,500
Est. Tax Saved
~$9,000+

Simplified illustration assuming 24% marginal federal tax rate. Actual savings depend on total income, state taxes, and deductions. Not personalized tax advice — consult a CPA.

How It Works

Open a SEP IRA at any major brokerage. Each year you decide how much to contribute — up to 25% of net SE income or $70,000. Contributions go in pre-tax, cutting your taxable income immediately. The money is then invested inside the account and grows tax-deferred until retirement.

Why It's Built for Creators
  • ›Flexible contributions. Strong year — max it out. Slow year — contribute nothing. No penalty.
  • ›Back-dated contributions. Big Q4? Still contribute for that year up to your filing deadline.
  • ›No payroll setup. Open at any major brokerage in under an hour.
  • ›No monthly commitment. Contribute when your cash flow allows.
Best Fit For

Creators earning $80K–$300K+ per year who want maximum flexibility without payroll complexity. If your income varies wildly but you want to move serious money into a tax-advantaged account in strong years, this is your starting point.

Quick Reference
Side-by-Side at a Glance
All four accounts — 2026 limits and key characteristics
Account2026 LimitTax InTax OutIncome LimitStructureBest For
SEP IRA$70,000or 25% net SEPre-TaxTaxableNoneSole Prop, LLC, S-CorpHigh Earner
Solo 401(k)$70,000Employee + EmployerPre-Tax or RothTaxable / Tax-FreeNoneNo full-time employeesMax Power
Roth IRA$7,000$8K if age 50+After-TaxTax-Free$165K–$180KAny structureEveryone
Traditional IRA$7,000$8K if age 50+Pre-Tax*TaxableDeduct variesAny structureSupplemental
The account is the vehicle — the strategy is the engine

An account sitting in cash
is not investing.

Opening the right account is step one. What you put inside it — how it's built, when it rebalances, how it responds to volatility — is where the real work happens. Not all portfolios are built the same.

Tailored portfolio constructionActive rebalancing strategyVariable income planningDownside protection built inFiduciary — always your interests first

Free of charge. Understanding your options costs nothing. You only pay if we manage your strategy together.

This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Contribution limits and tax rules are subject to change. All tax illustrations are hypothetical. Consult a qualified CPA for advice specific to your situation. Investment advisory services offered through StratiCo, a Registered Investment Adviser. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal.

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