Traditional or Roth
The question is quite common. Now that Roth contributions are available in 401(k)'s as well as IRA's, clients always want to know which is better for them. With both options money is tax deferred, but in the traditional model you defer your taxes until you take the money out. In the Roth model you pay taxes on your contributions but get to take your distributions tax fee. While the money is tax deferred you usually have the same investment choices to select from so the only real difference is where you pay your taxes; on the money you put in or on the money you take out.
I look at two independent issues.
The first is tax rates. Taxes are currently historically low. Both political parties seem to agree that tax revenues must increase; they differ only in their opinions of who should bear the increased tax burden. Regardless of your political lean, if taxes are low now and you expect them to rise later then it makes sense to pay the tax now. Edge: Roth
The second factor is the basic premise of investing. The goal is to put in a little, and take out a lot. Which would you rather pay taxes on; the little or the lot? Edge: Roth
Any questions?
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication", Leonardo da Vinci