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Tax-Smart Retirement: Choosing Between Roth and Traditional Accounts
Ready to optimize your retirement savings strategy? Let's clear up some confusion about Roth vs. Traditional retirement accounts that might be costing you thousands in future tax benefits.
First, let's bust a common myth: there are NO income limits for Roth 401(k) contributions! While Roth IRAs do have income restrictions, your salary never disqualifies you from making Roth 401(k) contributions if your employer offers this option. And starting next year, highly-compensated employees over 50 will need to make their catch-up contributions as Roth.
Traditional accounts give you an immediate tax break by reducing your taxable income now, with taxes due on both contributions and earnings when you withdraw in retirement. Roth accounts offer no immediate tax deduction, but qualified withdrawals in retirement—including decades of compound growth—come out completely tax-free.
For early-career savers, I generally recommend Roth contributions regardless of income. The power of tax-free compounding over 30-40 years typically outweighs immediate tax savings. Mid-career professionals face a more nuanced decision based on current tax situations and future tax rate expectations. Pre-tax contributions can strategically keep your income below thresholds for valuable tax benefits like the expanded SALT deduction or child tax credits. Meanwhile, Roth IRAs offer a hidden emergency fund feature—you can withdraw contributions (not earnings) anytime without penalties.
Running scenarios through tax software can help quantify the difference between these options for your specific situation. But remember, while saving strategically matters, I've never met anyone who regretted saving too much for retirement—just don't forget to enjoy life with loved ones along the way!
Want more financial insights delivered in 15 minutes or less? Subscribe to Better Financial Health and take control of your financial future today!
Envision Financial Planning. 5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 2428, Memphis, TN 38137. (901) 422-7526. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the United States. Advisory Services offered through Envision Financial Planning, a Registered Investment Adviser.
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By Stacey Hyde
5
33 ratings
Ready to optimize your retirement savings strategy? Let's clear up some confusion about Roth vs. Traditional retirement accounts that might be costing you thousands in future tax benefits.
First, let's bust a common myth: there are NO income limits for Roth 401(k) contributions! While Roth IRAs do have income restrictions, your salary never disqualifies you from making Roth 401(k) contributions if your employer offers this option. And starting next year, highly-compensated employees over 50 will need to make their catch-up contributions as Roth.
Traditional accounts give you an immediate tax break by reducing your taxable income now, with taxes due on both contributions and earnings when you withdraw in retirement. Roth accounts offer no immediate tax deduction, but qualified withdrawals in retirement—including decades of compound growth—come out completely tax-free.
For early-career savers, I generally recommend Roth contributions regardless of income. The power of tax-free compounding over 30-40 years typically outweighs immediate tax savings. Mid-career professionals face a more nuanced decision based on current tax situations and future tax rate expectations. Pre-tax contributions can strategically keep your income below thresholds for valuable tax benefits like the expanded SALT deduction or child tax credits. Meanwhile, Roth IRAs offer a hidden emergency fund feature—you can withdraw contributions (not earnings) anytime without penalties.
Running scenarios through tax software can help quantify the difference between these options for your specific situation. But remember, while saving strategically matters, I've never met anyone who regretted saving too much for retirement—just don't forget to enjoy life with loved ones along the way!
Want more financial insights delivered in 15 minutes or less? Subscribe to Better Financial Health and take control of your financial future today!
Envision Financial Planning. 5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 2428, Memphis, TN 38137. (901) 422-7526. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the United States. Advisory Services offered through Envision Financial Planning, a Registered Investment Adviser.