The Modern Investor
Written by Human Advisors, for Human Investors
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Roth vs Traditional 401(k) in 2024: Navigating Retirement Planning and Tax Planning
Retirement planning options continue to evolve, and the Roth 401(k) has become an option for more and more people. Determining which is better - Roth or traditional 401(k) - will often come down to the assumptions made around current vs. future income levels, current vs. future income tax rates, and when (or if) retirement savings will be spent down. Sometimes the answer may seem obvious. For those with murkier forecasts, using both options can make sense, too.
After the 401(k), Where to Invest Next?
Some investors prefer to max out the 401(k), either with pre-tax contributions or after-tax Roth contributions. Others contribute just enough to take full advantage of an employer match. And for many others, the answer is somewhere in between. Regardless of how that question is answered, people often wonder where to go next. What makes the most sense after 401(k) contributions are finished for the year? Let’s look at a few options, specifically through the lens of tax treatment, availability, and flexibility.
Returns That Matter: Can You Keep More of What You Earn?
Asset allocation – the percentage invested in stocks, bonds, and other asset classes – rightly receives a lot of investor attention. Asset location, on the other hand, is often overlooked. If you pay taxes on investment income, that could be a costly mistake.
Earn too much for a Roth IRA? Two considerations before you use the ‘backdoor’ Roth IRA.
The backdoor Roth IRA strategy can be an effective way for high-income individuals and families to save for retirement. Be careful to avoid common pitfalls that might create unexpected and unwanted taxes. Consider all your options and try to think holistically about retirement – few if any solutions are one-size-fits-all.
Why I Had a Tax Surprise, and How I Hope to Avoid it in the Future
Want more control over taxes? Here are some considerations for those investors with significant assets in taxable accounts.
Did I Just Pay Too Much Tax?
Not happy with your tax bill? Now that most individuals and families have filed 2022 taxes, it could be an ideal time to start tax planning for next year.
New Employer? Things to Consider Regarding the Old Retirement Plan.
You have a new employer. What should you do with the old 401(k) or retirement plan assets? Leave it where it is, bring to the new employer’s plan, or rollover into an IRA? Here are some of the key considerations around taxes, investment options, and fees, as well as a few other items to take into account.
Wait. Bonds Are Down, Too?
No free lunch this year. Bonds have struggled to offer protection in 2022.