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Tenforty1728 
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2012
46 posts
| "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:24 am)
I know Roth IRAs are a popular retirement tool suggested by the money board, but I've gotten to thinking about the "real" value of this money in an economic real dollar sense.
I am only 25 years old and in the 25% bracket. If I contribute to a traditional IRA, I will receive 25% of my contributions back in tax savings. Doesn't the fact that I can use that 25% savings for 45 years somewhat outweigh the fact that I can pull that money out tax-free in retirement?
With all of the uncertainty in Washington I've found it difficult to suggest to my clients without a doubt that a Roth is the way to go. I don't think Congress can destroy the Roth and traditional IRA set-up currently in existence, but doesn't the present day savings reduce some of that risk? And isn't it hard to predict what taxes will look like in 45 years!?
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Lsut81
LSU Fan
Member since Jun 2005
54980 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:31 am to Tenforty1728)
quote:
If I contribute to a traditional IRA, I will receive 25% of my contributions back in tax savings. Doesn't the fact that I can use that 25% savings for 45 years somewhat outweigh the fact that I can pull that money out tax-free in retirement?
Someone crunched the numbers for me a few weeks back and it was almost the exact same in the end. The difference was right at 800 if I remember.
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Broke
LSU Fan
AKA Buttercup
Member since Sep 2006
49525 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:32 am to Tenforty1728)
All valid points.
Or, what if you've gained 500% over the next 45 years? You get to withdraw that tax free. IRA's are an individual choice that sometimes isn't so cut and dry.
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tigeraddict
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2007
4437 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:34 am to Tenforty1728)
go to some roth calculators and see what the earnings will be at giving % over that 45 % and all those earnings will be tax free
Since you can only contribute $5k, then you are saving $1250/yr at the 25% bracket
just got to play with the numbers and see where that puts you based on your lifestyle
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GenesChin 
Ole Miss Fan
The Promise Land
Member since Feb 2012
3252 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:35 am to Broke)
Do you have to pull all the money out of an IRA once you hit 60?
Say you had a traditional IRA, could you just pull out the money in amounts that are slightly lower than higher tax brackets every year?
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jso0003 
Auburn Fan
Birmingham/Atlanta
Member since Jun 2009
4459 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:40 am to Tenforty1728)
I think its good to diversify your tax exposure.
I contribute to 401k on a pre-tax basis AND Max out a Roth, you dont have to just pick one.
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Layabout 
UNO Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2011
4478 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:44 am to GenesChin)
quote:
Do you have to pull all the money out of an IRA once you hit 60?
You don't have to take any money out until you reach 70-1/2 when you have to begin taking at least a minimum distribution. The exact amount of the distribution is based on your age but it's about 4% of the principal each year.
This post was edited on 1/30 at 9:45 am
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gatorsimz 
Florida Fan
cafe risque
Member since Feb 2009
5237 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:45 am to Tenforty1728)
I guess it depends on personal preference. I have a 401k and get an employer match so theres my tax savings right there. After the match, I contribute to a Roth IRA because 1) I like the flexibility of the account and 2) I believe I'll be retiring in a higher tax bracket than my current rate.
For people who don't participate in a qualified employer plan at work a Traditional IRA may be better because of the deduction. However, you can only take qualified distributions before 59 1/2 and your tax rates may be higher when you retire.
quote:
And isn't it hard to predict what taxes will look like in 45 years!?
Well, we have $16.5 trillion of debt, trillions more of unfunded liabilities, and a President who doesn't believe spending is an issue. They're going to have to eventually raise taxes to pay for this stuff.
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Oenophile Brah
LSU Fan
RDV
Member since Jan 2013
956 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:58 am to gatorsimz)
The "flexibility" is an important factor. Once you have paid your taxes (Roth), you have greater ability to access the fund. If you needed money from a standard 401k, you would have penalty concerns.
Generally most people retire at a higher income tax bracket. It is best to use the standard 401k to receive co. match. Then if you're near a rate level adjustment, push to keep below the next rate. If you can't shelter at a lower rate, Roth is a great place to go.
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GoCrazyAuburn
Auburn Fan
Member since Feb 2010
9090 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 10:18 am to jso0003)
quote:
I think its good to diversify your tax exposure.
This. We don't know what your taxes will be when you retire. It is a way to help protect your tax risk. Furthermore, I'm largely of the opinion I'd rather pay taxes on my seed, not the harvest.
But it is all personal choice.
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rsande2
LSU Fan
Member since Jan 2006
3423 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 12:13 pm to jso0003)
quote:
I contribute to 401k on a pre-tax basis AND Max out a Roth, you dont have to just pick one.
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Powerman
LSU Fan
Corpus Christi, TX
Member since Jan 2004
115780 posts
 Online
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 12:22 pm to rsande2)
I contribute to a 401K and started maxing out a traditional IRA
I know I don't get the tax diversification that the roth provides but I don't care
I still have some money leftover for savings after I contribute to the retirement accounts. As long as all 3 accounts keep growing, I think I'll be alright. I like working and will probably work until I reach 70 or so.
By that time I'll have whatever savings, SS income(probably not much), and 2 retirement accounts to draw from.
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Dusty Bottoms
LSU Fan
Guadalajara
Member since Nov 2006
750 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 1:35 pm to Oenophile Brah)
quote:
The "flexibility" is an important factor.
Yes. There are no required distributions with the Roth. Roth can be used as an emergency fund.
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jmtigers 
Southern Miss Fan
1826.71 miles from USC
Member since Sep 2003
3215 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 1:56 pm to Dusty Bottoms)
quote:
Roth can be used as an emergency fund.
And a college fund
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Tenforty1728
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2012
46 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 2:42 pm to jmtigers)
All very valid points and good discussion. I'm a CPA and I feel like Roth's get pushed a little too hard for people who are very young. I believe Roths are a great idea for anyone planning to retire in the next 8-10 years because I do believe rates will be higher over the horizon. I'm not as sure about people who won't retire for 30 years or more.
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GoCrazyAuburn
Auburn Fan
Member since Feb 2010
9090 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 3:02 pm to Tenforty1728)
Well, the argument for people retiring in 30 years is that their tax bracket is more than likely naturally go up because try aren't making a ton of money right now, and the tax deduction from other options isn't goingto drastically reduce their taxable income (especially by lowering their tax bracket).
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jso0003
Auburn Fan
Birmingham/Atlanta
Member since Jun 2009
4459 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 1/30/13 at 9:31 pm to Powerman)
quote:
I know I don't get the tax diversification that the roth provides but I don't care
I still have some money leftover for savings after I contribute to the retirement accounts. As long as all 3 accounts keep growing, I think I'll be alright. I like working and will probably work until I reach 70 or so.
No offense but this makes zero sense to me.
Why would you keep dumping cash into a savings account with taxable earnings when you could use a Roth as a savings account for all intents and purposes with the money growing tax free??
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Joshjrn
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
4183 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 2/3/13 at 10:46 am to jso0003)
As opposed to starting a new thread, I figured I'd bump this. I'm in my mid 20's. First year attorney making around 50k. Trying to decide between a traditional IRA and Roth. As has already been mentioned in this thread, my theory behind leaning towards Roth is that I don't see myself remaining in the same tax bracket now as I will be when I retire, and I don't really need the tax savings now. Is there something I'm missing that would make the traditional IRA more attractive?
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Lsut81
LSU Fan
Member since Jun 2005
54980 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 2/3/13 at 10:49 am to jso0003)
quote:
Why would you keep dumping cash into a savings account with taxable earnings when you could use a Roth as a savings account for all intents and purposes with the money growing tax free??
+1
Aside from the fact that you are only going to earn, at the most, 1% on savings...
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Ace Midnight
LSU Fan
Ball, LA - Home, Sweet Home
Member since Dec 2006
14892 posts
| re: "Real" value of a Roth IRA (Posted on 2/3/13 at 12:43 pm to Tenforty1728)
quote:
I am only 25 years old and in the 25% bracket. If I contribute to a traditional IRA, I will receive 25% of my contributions back in tax savings. Doesn't the fact that I can use that 25% savings for 45 years somewhat outweigh the fact that I can pull that money out tax-free in retirement?
The reason why ROTH is recommended for someone in your situation is - you're likely to have a higher income at retirement than you do now, ergo, you want as much of that as possible immune from taxation.
An opposite situation would be a professional athlete, whose earnings are sky high right now and needs every penny of tax savings (which are real, no question, even at your tax bracket) he can get his hands on. He maxes out his traditional 401K/IRA, or whatever is available, because his tax rate at retirement will likely be less than it is now.
I hope this makes sense from the "rule of thumb". However, everyone's situation varies, at least a little, and there are times when the knee jerk "ROTH" recommendation does not pass the A/B, 2-track analysis. If it doesn't for you, take the immediate benefit of tax savings now, and take solace that if you lose money down the line, you did so with eyes open, and you at least did the analysis.
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