Roth or Traditional?
Frame tax-now versus tax-later retirement contributions.
Plain answer: Traditional saves tax now; Roth saves tax later. A split can be useful when today's and future tax rates are uncertain.
Use this when
You need a practical frame before choosing a timing, tax, saving, or debt lever.
Do not use this when
You need individualized tax, legal, medical, or investment advice.
Common mistake
Looking for one perfect answer before checking the few variables that actually move the decision.
Next plain step
Run the calculator, save the result, then read the source-backed article linked from the result.
Sources and notes
- 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500Internal Revenue Service