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Are you trying to figure out whether to invest in a Roth or Traditional IRA for your retirement? In this video, we break it down using real examples and offer clear guidance to help you make smart decisions about your financial future.
➡️ Understanding the Variables: We delve into age, contribution amounts, rates of return, and inflation rates to provide a comprehensive comparison.
➡️ Tax Considerations Demystified: Learn how tax implications differ between Roth and traditional accounts and how they impact your retirement income.
➡️ Realistic Calculations: Explore the future value of investments and understand the significance of effective tax rates in making the right choice.
➡️ Factoring in Other Investments: Beyond IRAs, we discuss alternative investment options like cash value life insurance and their potential benefits.
➡️ Empowering Your Decision-Making: Gain insights to confidently choose the retirement account that aligns best with your financial goals and future tax expectations.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT: IRA Accounts
INVESTING IN A GOLD IRA: Gold IRA Account
INVESTING IN A SILVER IRA: Silver IRA Account
REVEALED: Best Gold Backed IRA
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) retirement savings plans are valuable tools for Americans to save for their golden years. Among the various types of IRAs and 401(k) plans, Roth and Traditional options are the most commonly considered by account holders due to their differences in tax treatment.
Roth IRA: A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that allows investors to contribute post-tax income. This means that contributions are made with money that has already been taxed, so withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. In addition, Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth on investments, making them a powerful tool for building wealth over time. However, there are income limits on who can contribute to a Roth IRA, which may restrict higher-income individuals from utilizing this account.
Traditional IRA: A Traditional IRA, on the other hand, functions in the opposite manner. Contributions to a Traditional IRA are made with pre-tax income, allowing investors to deduct their contributions from their taxable income in the year they were made. However, withdrawals in retirement are subject to income taxes, which means that investors will pay taxes on both their contributions and any investment gains. Like the Roth IRA, there are income limits on who can contribute to a Traditional IRA.
401(k) plans: 401(k) plans are employer-sponsored retirement accounts that operate similarly to Traditional IRAs. Contributions are made with pre-tax income, but withdrawals in retirement are subject to income taxes. Some employers offer a Roth 401(k) option, which allows employees to make post-tax contributions and enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Additionally, some employers may offer a matching contribution, which can provide a significant boost to retirement savings.
When deciding between a Roth and Traditional IRA or 401(k), investors should consider their current tax situation and their expected tax situation in retirement. If an individual expects to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, a Roth account may be more beneficial as it allows for tax-free withdrawals. On the other hand, if an individual expects to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, a Traditional account may be more advantageous as it allows for immediate tax savings.
It is also important to consider the impact of required minimum distributions (RMDs) on retirement savings. Traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans are subject to RMDs, which require investors to start withdrawing a minimum amount each year once they reach age 72. Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs during the account holder’s lifetime, making them a valuable estate planning tool for passing on wealth to beneficiaries.
In conclusion, Roth and Traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans offer different tax advantages and considerations for retirement savings. Investors should carefully evaluate their tax situation and long-term financial goals when choosing between these accounts. Consulting with a financial advisor can help individuals make informed decisions about their retirement savings strategy.
6:00 $19,500 @ 26.43 effective rate = $5,153 tax. It's erroneous to use effective tax and even it were, the formula is $19,500 / 0.7357 = $26,505 pretax income thus $7,005 tax not $5,153 tax. $150k is 22% federal tax bracket so to $19,500 Roth contribution requires $19,500 / 0.78 = $25,000 pretax income thus $5,500 federal tax.
2024 video using 2023 federal tax bracket chart
Since both of these are variable accounts it’s likely the account value would be lower than what you assumed. Since there is no protection on the floor, over time the actual return will be lower than the average return.
If I switch my 401k contribution from Traditional to Roth, will that be taxed at my effective rate, or marginal rate? hmm…