401(k) vs IRA Comparison Tool
Compare Traditional vs Roth options for 401(k)s and IRAs. See after-tax values, tax savings, and find the best retirement account for your tax situation.
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Smart PicksHow to use 401(k) vs IRA Comparison Tool
Make the optimal choice between all retirement account options. Compare side-by-side projections and understand tax implications now and in retirement.
- 1Enter your current age, income, and contribution amount.
- 2Input your current and expected retirement tax rates.
- 3Add your employer 401(k) match details.
- 4Set expected investment returns.
- 5Review the comparison chart showing after-tax values for all four options.
Common Use Cases
- Determine if Traditional or Roth makes more sense for your tax situation
- See the impact of employer matching on 401(k) vs IRA decisions
- Compare after-tax retirement values across all account types
Pro Tips
- Tax diversification (having both Traditional and Roth) gives you flexibility in retirement to manage tax brackets.
- A 50% employer match is an instant 50% return — always prioritize getting the full match first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose Traditional if your current tax rate is higher than your expected retirement rate (tax savings now). Choose Roth if your current rate is lower than expected retirement rate (tax-free growth). When equal, diversification with both is often best.
Generally max out your 401(k) to get any employer match first (free money!), then max out your IRA for better investment options, then return to 401(k) if you want to save more.
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