Can someone explain if I should use regular 401k or Roth 401k? My 2 FA’s gave different answers and I don’t understand which to use. I have already done the back door Roth IRA max

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

This depends on your current income level, generally the lower it is, the better a Roth is. If you’re looking to max out the account, a Roth will provide exponentially more value than a traditional account because 19k tax free is worlds better than 19k tax deferred.

Another strategy is to contribute to your traditional 401k and then a Roth IRA as well, as you can get better returns pulling from your 401k in years where you need minimal distributions (effectively tax free) and your Roth IRA in years when you need large distributions (40k+)

like

The Roth does not provide more value in the long run, investing in a traditional 401k and using the tax savings to invest in a regular taxable brokerage yields the highest overall benefit.

I often hear the short-sided argument in favor of Roth that ‘taxes will be higher in the future so Roth is better’, however that is far from the whole story. The most important thing to remember is that taxes are progressive and while marginal rates may increase (possibly substantially), your tax liability is likely to decease even as marginal rates rise.

With even the smallest amount of planning, you should be able to avoid ever paying taxes on your 401k if you can draw from a Roth IRA, as 401k and a regular taxable brokerage.

Roth 401k is a huge drag on wealth accumulation.

like

Roth 401k is (almost) always a bad deal. Its a REALLY bad deal if you are earning enough that you need to backdoor your Roth IRA contribution.

Traditional 401k without a doubt. See my earlier response to A1.

like

If you are making enough to need the backdoor Roth (and know what it is), I would advise to use the traditional 401k for the up front tax breaks. Use any additional funds for a taxable account. I agree with SM1.

like

Roth accounts make sense in the long (>5 years) since the money grows tax free (rather than tax deferred).

like

I don’t plan working past 45 (5 years past my FI number), just another reason Traditional made so much more sense than a Roth.

like

I recommend traditional regardless of income level. You already have Roth IRA for tax deferred gains. Depending on when you retire and potential down years on income, you can convert traditional to Roth and pay very little taxes on them. Look up Traditional 401k laddering

like

Here just to see answers because IBM gives new hires both options to choose from and not sure what to do

Think about the amount you will withdraw per year in retirement. Look at that in terms of today’s dollars and look at the tax rate today for that amount. If paying that amount of tax on your withdrawal makes you queasy or angry go all Roth.

Sorry, but I have to ask - is it not supposed to make you queasy if you’re paying it now, but should in retirement?

There are non financial market investments too you can consider . Most people in our industry can afford to buy a small investment house if you save for down payment for a few years .

Okay so I’m also curious about all of this. Sounds like max out traditional 401k. Then what would be your next step to saving for retirement?

Next step would be HSA, Roth IRA, or traditional savings. The Roth IRA has some advantages over traditional brokerage accounts, but should only be used if you’ve exhausted your tax deferred options

like

Related Posts

Hey beautiful people,
I’m 27Y and work in tech. Unfortunately my carpal tunnel is getting worst slowly. I’m worry that I still have like 45 years more to be retired and can’t stop working because I have a f* mortgage to pay 😭 I have a super ergonomic workstation, but I know my hand needs a long rest, and I can’t do it… Does anyone relate? What do you recommend?

like

Recently joined and maybe a long shot: does anyone have insight or advice for condo buying in FT Lauderdale? Realtor and area recommendations?
This will be my secondary property until I can shift residency. Early 40s single. Looking at las olas condos at the moment. Thanks!

like

Are commercial properties getting inflated like residential? Thinking of getting into commercial to extra income.

Planning to buy home. What are the legal services i can enlist from hyatt legal. Do they cover title check, contract review. Trying to see how much legal expenses i can save by using hyatt legal.

like

Is there any way to get around the coinbase fee when buying crypto?

like

How do you handle if both j1 and j2 offer health insurance or 401k? Do you decline if they’re the through the same provider?

like

How do y’ll save money on taxes? Other than obvious routes like 401k.

like

At what income level should one be comfortable to spend 2400/mo on rent in HCOL? Assuming single, no kids, no debt or major expenses.

like

How do married folks manage finances ..keep them separate or everything common? Have heard married people splitting rent and stuff and not sure I fully understand how common are situations like that.

like

I’m an Air Force veteran and a realtor the Atlanta and the nearby areas. I would like to be of assistance in any of your real estate needs. I specialize in VA, investment properties as well as residential and commercial properties. If you need a lender I have a lot of those too. How can I be of assistance?

Post Photo
like

I was paid a retention bonus last year which I have to return - couple of questions: Will I get a corrected W2 ? If yes, how much time does it generally to generate a corrected W2? Should I wait for corrected W2 to file the return ? (with the current comp - I owe taxes however with the W2C - I will probably not..) thoughts??

like

I have no credit history and am just out of undergrad making ~$100k. Any chance of me being approved for Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited? Do I need to get a “starter” card to build some credit first?

like

How does one get into trading from positions elsewhere in the bank? What would impress you most about candidates attempting to do so?

like

What are the perks of joining Oracle ? Like Broadband reimbursement, monitor , mobile, wfh set up etc ?

like

How do I start building rental property portfolio so I can FIRE?

like

I love my job, but feel like it was a slap in the face that we hit $2Billion in revenue this year, yet our benefits are sparse.

like

What is the maternity leave policy of PWC and for how many children it is available?

like

Planning to buy a condo in 451 W Huron - Yay or Nay? Will live for a year and then rent it out. Don’t want to renew lease another year.

like

From a financial standpoint in this market, which would be a better approach in Austin -

1. Buy a ~8-850k house that meets most of our ideal criteria (size, schools, interiors etc) to stay long term

2. Buy a ~5-550k house that’s not ideal with the plan of moving into an ideal home in 4-5 years when kid is ready for school.

How easy is it to get a mortgage for the second home?

Household income - 300k

Happy to add more details as needed

Thanks

Is anyone nervous about the whole Russia situation and how that may affect the market if an actual invasion takes place? Do you think it makes sense to take out investments just until things settle down, or even assuming the fed will increase interest rates? Thoughts?

likesmart

More Posts

How much can we salary can we Optum ask for a Senior data analyst at optum?

like

How to refer my friend in Optum? Where could i find the path to refer a friend?

Optum

like

I am frustrated as a Gay Woman who has given her all for 30+ years grinding to be the best. I have been in closet, out of closet, in-between and am tired of it. I want to be VALUED as a human being. I have gone from Rock Star to problem when people "found out". I have trained and promoted hundreds of people and been passed over for promotions because of not being a man. I have trained men with less experience, worse results only for them to move forward. If Diversity is important...prove it!

like

Hi Fishes,
Any Idea about Pega Practice at Optum?
Please do reply as I have joining in 4 days ,So honest replies are welcome :)

Hi everyone,

I am moving to London on Monday from another country.

I was just informed the earlier accommodation I made got messed up, I can't even begin to explain.

Can anyone please recommend a relatively cheap accommodation to me in London?.

Thank you so much.

What will be salary for 3yrs data scientist

like

Anyone have a recommendation for a career coach - I’m burnt out and hate advertising/digital ? Also I’m was just laid off so now’s the time to make a change

like

Barclays Barclays global service center Does barclays do layoffs ?

like

Give me some likes to reactivate my DM.

like

I'm a master's student at U of M pursuing graduation in Engineering management. I'm looking for summer internships in business development and Marketing domain.

I have an year of experience in project management domain and I have managed 2 projects of around $55k and $80k.

I'll be grateful if someone could help me or point me in some direction.

like

Hi. I’m looking for job opportunities in sales . YOE - 7 . I’ve worked with real estate and edtech Industry. Experience in handling team

like

Anyone else feel restless - I'm happy with my job / money but this restlessness surrounds me, want to do something else, something creative, something bigger than a job...

like

Thoughts??
Also, what do you prefer WFH or WFO?

Post Photo
like

Hi,

I'm interviewing for Data Analytics Sr Analyst at Salesforce,
What is the Salary range for for this role?

Y.O.E - 4.5 Yrs
CCTC - 10Lpa,
Holding other offer - 21 Lpa

like
like

Referral Alert:

Tiger Analytics is hiring for the role:
Inside Sales Specialist - US

𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: Communication skills, Lead generation, Cold calling, Inside Sales, Market research

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 : 1-6Years

𝐃𝐌 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐥 or JD

like

Joining IBM in SAP MM technology soon, they shared that I will be on bench initially, so need help to know if have better projects here? How will be the process here

like

When amd how to submit Medical report aa virtual joining is there. Medical certificate is one of mandatory document from TCS at the timw of joining

like

Hello Fishes !
I got an offers from two companies in flat steel products for Pune location.
One company is startup company categories under dealer based on e-commerce
And one one big brand company but they have started new divisions for e-commerce flat form

Which one should i choose? ( work life balance/ stability/sustainability/growth)

Pay scale for both nearby but brand company is paying less than expected.

like

What is the use of earning badges in Level up? Is there any advantage to this?

like

Additional Posts in Consulting

What rental car company do you use when booking personal travel? Hertz because it’s linked with SPG?

like

Hi 🐠 . Could you recommend some great books on people management and leadership?

like

Hi, I am a PhD student and I have recently started preparing for consulting. I have gone through basics of framework and have watched few YouTube videos. I am at the point where I am seeing diminishing returns by studying more books. Anyone willing to help or are there people in the same boat? Would love to connect with potential study/case buddies! TIA!

like

I am plat exec on AA and wife wants to purchase ticket to Europe (traveling alone). Any benefits of booking it through my account (and assigning her FF#) or none?

like

What are the best consulting firms for someone that’s looking to work in the aviation industry? Can be big consulting firms with strong presence in aviation or boutique firms. Preferably commercial strategy type of projects. US based. Thank you!

like

How bad is the firing cycle at PwC? Do new associates with albeit low utilization have anything to worry about?

like

Recommendations for a wfh office chair? Preferably on the lower end of the range with good height.

like

Anyone have a template for career development plan / year goals?

like

Any advice on how to switch from big 4 to tier 1 consulting firms like BCG and MCK?

like

Since we’ve all been working from home for months now, what’s the best office chair out that y’all are using for our long work from home hours? Looking to invest in a better one than my ~$150 one from Amazon.

like

My friend is originally from South Africa and is on a student visa in Texas. She’s a senior and her parents want to buy her a house there after graduation. They will give her $50k for downpayment and whatever else she needs, but we just wanted to confirm if that’s even possible? We know she will need a job and steady income. What else is required?

like

Hi fishes, can anyone guide me through Morgan Stanley recruitment process?? I have a test coming up for SDET QA Role!! Please help.

like

What are some of the best consulting firms for a software engineer? Is MBB still considered elite in this area too?

like

How does PwCs reputation in the consulting market place compare to the other top firms (big 4, MBB, Boutiques, etc.)

like

How do I not hate my job while being bored to death? Open to ideas!

like

Going to miss the bench come Monday ): been an awesome 3 weeks.

like

An afternoon without meetings. Seems like a trap?

likefunny

Is ACN typically 80% or 100% travel? Or whatever the client wants?

like

A first for me, after 1.6 million miles. Thankful for a delay. The delay on the connector saved me a night at ord Hilton after the ludicrous delay on the first leg.t. Truly grateful united

like

BCG folks - any other benefits besides the major ones that I should be aware about (e.g. gym membership reimbursement, mobile reimbursement etc). I’m joining at the end of March. Thanks!

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal