Step 5 of 5 — Roth vs. Traditional IRA
Compare Roth and Traditional IRA to find which gives you more money in retirement.
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Traditional after-tax = FV × (1 - retirement tax rate). Roth after-tax = FV (contributions already taxed). Roth wins when retirement tax rate ≥ current rate. Compare with equal after-tax contribution amounts.
Lower income (below 22% bracket): Roth often wins — pay low tax now, grow tax-free. Higher income: Traditional wins — deduction saves more at high marginal rate.
Roth phase-out 2025: single filers $150K-$165K, married filing jointly $236K-$246K. Above limits, use backdoor Roth IRA conversion strategy.
Yes — but combined contributions cannot exceed $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+). Many people split contributions based on current vs expected future tax rates.
Converting Traditional to Roth: pay income tax on converted amount now, grow tax-free forever. Best in low-income years (job loss, early retirement gap before SS).
Traditional wins if: you're in 24%+ bracket now and expect lower rate in retirement, or you need the current-year tax deduction to afford to save.
Calculations are for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.