There's a reason higher earners don't always rush to save for a retirement in a Roth account. Once your income reaches a certain point, you may prioritize the up-front tax break that comes with funding a traditional IRA or 401(k) plan. If you're 50 or older this year, you're eligible to make catch-up contributions in your IRA or 401(k). And if you have a workplace plan, your preference may be to do that catch-up in a traditional 401(k). Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what ...

Core Concept - The article discusses the advantages of Roth 401(k) plans over traditional 401(k) plans, emphasizing the tax benefits of Roth accounts when it comes to retirement savings [2][3]. Group 1: Comparison of 401(k) and Roth 401(k) - Traditional 401(k) contributions are made pre-tax, reducing taxable income at the time of contribution, but taxes are owed on the entire amount upon withdrawal in retirement [6][7]. - In contrast, Roth 401(k) contributions are made after taxes, meaning that while the initial contributions are taxed, withdrawals during retirement are tax-free [6][7]. - An example illustrates that investing $200 a month from age 25 to 65 in a Roth 401(k) could yield $2.5 million, with only $96,000 being the principal amount contributed, which would be tax-free upon withdrawal [2][3]. Group 2: Historical Context - 401(k) plans were created under the Revenue Act of 1978 and gained popularity in the 1980s, while Roth 401(k)s were introduced in 2001 and became available to employers in 2006 [5]. - The traditional 401(k) has been in existence for nearly 50 years, whereas Roth 401(k)s have been available for nearly 20 years, although many workers remain unaware of the latter [5].

Core Points - The American tax code is experiencing significant changes due to various legislative actions, particularly the SECURE Act 2.0, which introduces new rules affecting retirement savings for seniors [1][3] - The SECURE Act 2.0 aims to encourage retirement savings by allowing higher catch-up contributions for older individuals, specifically introducing a "super catch-up" contribution limit [3][4] Catch-up Contribution Changes - The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law at the end of 2022, includes major modifications to retirement savings plans such as 401(k), IRA, and Roth accounts, enhancing coverage and flexibility [3] - Starting in 2025, individuals aged 60 to 63 can contribute an additional $11,250 to their 401(k), while those over 50 can add $8,000 in catch-up contributions beginning in 2026 [4] Income-based Restrictions - A new income-based restriction will be implemented in 2026, requiring individuals over 50 earning more than $145,000 to direct their catch-up contributions to a Roth 401(k) instead of a traditional 401(k) [5] - This change results in a higher upfront tax burden for high-income seniors, as contributions to a Roth 401(k) are made on an after-tax basis, eliminating the tax deduction typically associated with traditional contributions [6] Tax Implications - For example, a 60-year-old earning $192,000 making a super catch-up contribution of $11,250 could incur nearly $3,600 in taxes at a 32% marginal tax rate, while a 51-year-old at a 24% rate could pay $1,920 on an $8,000 contribution [7] - Given that one in five individuals aged 45 to 55 earn over $100,000, these changes could significantly affect millions of Americans [7]

Core Insights - Many individuals face challenges in saving adequately for retirement at different life stages, often due to financial burdens such as student debt, home purchases, and childcare costs [1] Group 1: Catch-Up Contributions - Individuals aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions to their retirement accounts, which are not limited by the amount already saved [2] - Starting in 2026, a significant change will occur regarding catch-up contributions, particularly affecting higher earners [3][5] Group 2: New Rules in 2026 - Currently, workers under 50 can contribute up to $23,500 to a 401(k), while those 50 and over can contribute a total of $31,000, including a catch-up contribution of $7,500 [4] - From 2026, individuals earning over $145,000 will only be allowed to make catch-up contributions using after-tax dollars, which may initially seem disadvantageous [5][6] Group 3: Benefits of Roth Contributions - Despite the perceived drawbacks of mandatory after-tax contributions, there are significant benefits to having funds in a Roth 401(k), including tax-free investment gains and tax-free withdrawals in retirement [8] - This structure provides greater flexibility in managing tax liabilities during retirement compared to traditional 401(k) accounts [8]

Retirement Planning - The article discusses the comparison between Roth and Traditional 401(k) plans [1] - It aims to help individuals determine which retirement plan is more suitable for their financial situation [1]

Investment Options - The article discusses whether a Roth or Traditional 401(k) is better for the individual [1] Retirement Planning - The article provides information to help individuals make informed decisions about their retirement savings [1]

Retirement Planning - The article discusses whether a Roth or Traditional 401(k) is better for the individual [1]