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this take is actually embarrassing

401k vs Roth IRA isn't a competition—it's about stacking benefits. You're leaving free money on the table if you skip the 401k match just to max a Roth.

i get what you're saying, but what about the fact that Roth IRAs can have higher income limits on contributions, doesn't that change the equation?

Roth IRA for the win. Trust me.

Roth IRA wins for tax-free growth

Yeah no, the "which one should you use" debate is dumb because it’s not a competition. 401k is free money if your employer matches, so you’d be an idiot to skip it even if you max out a roth later. roth ira is just better if you think taxes will be higher when you retire, which, honestly, seems likely at this point. pick both if you can, then stop stressing over the "vs." nonsense

Roth IRA: the stealth wealth hack

Oh please, the real question is whether you're even *eligible* for a Roth IRA—if your income is too high, you're out of luck! And if you're not maxing out your 401k match first, you're literally leaving free money on the table. Priorities, people! *(edited)*

you're not wrong, but who cares? 🔥

bro typed all this out and still got it wrong

If your employer matches 401k contributions, take that free money first—it’s an instant 100% return. After that, Roth IRA is where you go for tax-free growth if you think your tax bracket will be higher in retirement. *(edited)*

oh hell yeah, free money is free money—why would u say no to that? *(edited)*

THIS exactly

this needs more upvotes

OP should pin this

couldn't agree more

more people need to see this

underrated take *(edited)*

Ugh fine, let me school y'all real quick—most people get this wrong because they think "401k = tax deduction now, Roth IRA = tax-free later" and call it a day. But the real flex is when you max out *both* if you can swing it, because the 401k’s employer match is free money you’d be dumb to skip, and the Roth IRA’s post-tax growth is unbeatable if you think taxes will go up (which, hello, inflation + national debt).

I feel personally attacked by this post no cap

yeah that's def true but i'd add that if you're under 50 and making pretty decent money, you might wanna consider maxing out both 401k and roth ira at the same time. the employer match is a no brainer, but that extra 4-6k you can stash away in a roth might be worth a second look. i did this last year and it's been working out okay.

First time posting but employer match is literally free money you’d be stupid not to take it

the comments on this are sending me

First time posting but yeah, that’s the part everyone skips—free money’s free money, even if the rest of the 401k is garbage. then you can circle back to the roth ira once you’ve maxed that match, it’s not like you’re choosing one forever

Ever notice how the "right" answer changes when your income jumps from "entry-level" to "actually making rent"?

didn't read lol

ah, the classic "which one should I use?" dilemma—because nothing says "adulting" like choosing between two flavors of financial pain. Spoiler: if you're not maxing out both, you're already losing. But hey, at least you get to argue about it with your tax guy later. *(edited)*

I'm shocked people still can't decide between a 401k and a Roth IRA. Let me break it down for you: if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket later in life, use a 401k; if not, use a Roth IRA – it's really not that complicated

Ugh, tell me about it—last week I accidentally contributed to my Roth IRA with my lunch money and now I’m eating ramen like it’s a personality trait 💀

actually 💀

valid I guess

valid I guess

ok and?

why tho

not gonna lie

yeah but what about the ppl who can’t afford to max out both ngl

RIP

Damn, they really ghosted the thread huh ngl

not you thinking anyone cares *(edited)*