Choosing Between Roth 401K and Traditional 401K: Should You Pay Taxes Now or Later?

by | Apr 15, 2024 | 401k | 5 comments

Choosing Between Roth 401K and Traditional 401K: Should You Pay Taxes Now or Later?




Do you often wonder if Roth or Traditional is right for your 401K plan? Let me give you the breakdown of how I decide which one to choose based on age and taxes.

Private Group Coaching with Psy
➡️

🤳 Psy on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram 🤳
➡️

📖 Get Your Free Financial Spreadsheets and Resources 📖
➡️

👨‍🏫 Free Financial Coaching 👩‍🏫
Schedule a free 20-minute Individual Coaching Session
Schedule a free 30-minute Couple’s Coaching Session
➡️

📖 My YouTube Studio & Equipment 📖
➡️

For sponsorships and business inquiries
➡️ media@firepsychat.com

📷 Additional FIRE Videos Mentioned In this Video 📷
Our $3.7 Mil Fat FIRE Plan –
How We’re Saving 70% of Income (2023) –
My $1.1 Mil Fat FIRE Progress (Sep 2022) –
How to Become an Ordinary Millionaire –
How to Start F.I.R.E –
The Ultimate F.I.R.E Guide –
How to Invest in an HSA –
Become a TSP Millionaire –
Financial Independence Calculator –

⏰ Table of Contents ⏰
0:00 Roth vs Traditional 401K
4:00 Roth 401K Early Withdrawal Rules
6:36 401K Tax Considerations for Roth & Traditional

#FIREPsyChat #FinancialIndependence #401k

🎵 Music and Sound Effects Provided by Epidemic Sound 🎵

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. I am solely sharing my personal experience and opinions. All Strategies, tips, suggestions, and recommendations shared are solely for entertainment and educational purposes only. There are financial risks associated with investing. You must conduct your own research and due diligence or seek the advice of a licensed advisor if necessary.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this webpage are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. However, this does not impact our opinions and comparisons….(read more)

See also  Protecting Your Money: Celebrating 401(k) Day


LEARN MORE ABOUT: 401k Plans

REVEALED: Best Investment During Inflation

HOW TO INVEST IN GOLD: Gold IRA Investing

HOW TO INVEST IN SILVER: Silver IRA Investing


When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is whether to contribute to a Roth 401K or a traditional 401K. Both options offer tax-advantaged savings, but they differ in terms of when you pay taxes on your contributions.

A traditional 401K allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars to your retirement account, which means you can lower your taxable income for the year in which you make the contributions. This can result in lower tax payments while you are working, but you will have to pay taxes on your contributions and earnings when you withdraw the money in retirement.

On the other hand, a Roth 401K allows you to contribute after-tax dollars to your retirement account, which means you do not get a tax break when you make the contributions. However, the money you contribute will grow tax-free, and you will not have to pay taxes on your withdrawals in retirement.

So how do you decide which option is best for you? Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Current Tax Bracket: If you are currently in a high tax bracket and expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, a traditional 401K may be the better option for you. This way, you can take advantage of the tax break now and pay lower taxes on your withdrawals in retirement.

2. Future Tax Rates: If you anticipate that tax rates will increase in the future, a Roth 401K may be the better option. By paying taxes on your contributions now, you can potentially avoid paying higher taxes on your withdrawals in retirement.

See also  Different Retirement Accounts to Retire as a Millionaire: Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 401(k), 403(b)

3. Investment Time Horizon: If you have a long time horizon until retirement and expect your investments to grow significantly, a Roth 401K may be more beneficial. Since your contributions and earnings will grow tax-free, you can potentially save more money in the long run.

Ultimately, the decision between a Roth 401K and a traditional 401K will depend on your individual financial situation and goals. It may be helpful to consult with a financial advisor to discuss the pros and cons of each option and determine which one is best for you.

In conclusion, choosing between a Roth 401K and a traditional 401K is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your retirement savings. By carefully considering your current tax situation, future tax rates, and investment time horizon, you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve your retirement goals.

Truth about Gold
You May Also Like

5 Comments

  1. @coyster67

    Fortunately I don’t have to choose. My company offers both plus post tax option.

  2. @reynaldocerda82

    Is it good to invest in target date retirement fund in a Roth 401k?

  3. @dudefromlaveenaz

    We max out our contributions to get the max employer match, then put in a Roth 401k.

  4. @kanyon6539

    Does the TSP continue to invest when you exit the military/Fed jobs?
    Or can I transfer it into a seperate 401k?

U.S. National Debt

The current U.S. national debt:
$35,331,269,621,113

Source

ben stein recessions & depressions

Retirement Age Calculator

  Original Size