Which Option is Superior for Early Retirement: Roth 401k or Roth IRA?

by | Jun 24, 2023 | Backdoor Roth IRA | 9 comments




Do you have a Roth 401K and Roth IRA? Which one is better? Which one should you prioritize? What about 403b and TSP? Let’s dive right into it!

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⏰ Table of Contents ⏰
0:00 401k 403b TSP IRA Comparisons
2:20 Contribute to 401K 403b TSP IRA at the same time
4:23 Roth 401K vs Roth IRA Income Limits
6:14 Roth 401K vs Roth IRA Matching
6:44 Roth 401K vs Roth IRA Custodians
7:29 Roth 401K vs Roth IRA Investment Options
8:33 Roth 401K vs Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules
10:57 Roth 401K and Roth IRA Investment Priority

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Roth 401(k) vs Roth IRA: Which One is Better for Early Retirement?

When it comes to planning for retirement, many individuals aim to retire sooner rather than later. Therefore, it is crucial to explore and understand various retirement savings options available. Two popular choices for early retirement planning are the Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA. Let’s delve into the details of each option to determine which one is better for early retirement.

The Roth 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account that allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary towards their retirement savings after taxes. Contributions to the Roth 401(k) are made with after-tax dollars, meaning they are not tax-deductible. However, the withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, including any capital gains earned over time. This makes the Roth 401(k) a favorable choice for those expecting to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement.

On the other hand, a Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that gives individuals the opportunity to contribute to their retirement savings with after-tax income. Like the Roth 401(k), withdrawals from a Roth IRA are also tax-free in retirement, making it an attractive option for early retirees. However, unlike the Roth 401(k), the Roth IRA has income limits. In 2021, single individuals earning over $140,000 and married couples earning over $208,000 are ineligible to contribute to a Roth IRA directly.

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So, which one is better for early retirement? The answer depends on several factors.

Firstly, if you have access to an employer-sponsored plan like the Roth 401(k) and your employer offers a matching contribution, it is advisable to take advantage of this opportunity. Employer matching contributions are essentially free money, providing an instant boost to your retirement savings. However, if your employer does not match contributions or you are self-employed, the Roth IRA might be more suitable as it allows for greater control over investment options.

Secondly, consider your anticipated tax bracket in retirement. If you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement, the Roth 401(k) could be more advantageous since you would pay taxes on the contributions at your current (likely lower) tax rate. Conversely, if your tax rate is expected to decrease in retirement or remain the same, the Roth IRA could be a better option.

A third factor to consider is the contribution limits. In 2021, the contribution limit for a Roth 401(k) is $19,500 ($26,000 for individuals 50 and older), while the limit for a Roth IRA is $6,000 ($7,000 for individuals 50 and older). Consequently, the Roth 401(k) allows for higher contribution amounts, potentially accelerating the growth of your retirement savings.

Lastly, early retirees should be aware of the withdrawal rules for both accounts. With a Roth 401(k), withdrawals can generally be made penalty-free starting at age 59 ½, provided the account has been open for at least five years. However, with a Roth IRA, contributions can be withdrawn at any time without penalty, while the earnings portion must follow the same age and account duration rules as the Roth 401(k).

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In conclusion, both the Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA can be valuable tools for early retirement planning, but their suitability depends on individual circumstances. Exploit employer matching contributions if available, carefully consider your expected tax bracket in retirement, and factor contribution limits and withdrawal rules into your decision-making process. Consult with a financial advisor to determine the best fit for your retirement goals and achieve financial peace of mind.

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9 Comments

  1. Ryan P

    Great content! You earned a new subscriber! Question though:

    So an early withdrawal of your contributions (not earnings/growth) from your ROTH IRA are not liable to a penalty, but an early withdrawal of your contributions (not earnings/growth) from your ROTH 401k early are subject to a penalty that is proportional to your account earnings balance?

    What if I rolled a Roth 401k into a ROTH IRA? Would the early withdraw penalties of the ROTH 401k go away?

    Thanks! Appreciate any insight!

  2. HazyHyperion

    Hi. I noticed you said at the end that you and your wife both have 401ks. I currently have the TSP. I have been searching the irs website for this question, but no luck. Can I contribute up to the 40k limit in my TSP without penalty since I am married filing jointly? Or is there a specific rule that states that if we wanted to take full advantage, we both have to have our own 401k, then max it out individually?

  3. lcsoc19

    my 403b has a 5% auto matching and 6% contribution match. The contribution match will increase to 8% after another 2 years employed with the company. 13% matching is great.

  4. Sergeant Grimm

    Funny enough, I'm a title 32 Technician in the Guard with two TSP accounts. I do 5% employer match on the federal civilian side and dump all of my Drill and AT/ST orders pay into my military TSP account. I want to do a roll over with the military account eventually if it's even possible, and just keep my regular FERS account as is.

  5. Ro Ce

    I have roth 401k for my employee and I also have a traditional ira. If I do maximize both do I have to pay penalty. thanks

  6. Roson Yamamura

    Have you done a video on how to convert 401k to Roth IRA?

  7. Leonardo Francisco

    Hey there nice video , so just to recap on both retirement plans.

    So currently I have the Tsp since I'm active duty but I also just opened up a Vanguard Roth IRA.

    So to clarify I can only contribute $22,500 total for both retirement plans combine.

    For example I can do $6500 IRA , but then I'm left with $16,000 for Tsp. Is this correct?

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