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Kiplinger
Kiplinger
Business
Tim Kingsbury, CFP®

Roth or Traditional? Seven Considerations for High Earners

"Traditional" and "Roth" are written on wooden blocks below red and blue arrows pointing in different directions.

When it comes to retirement savings, high earners face unique challenges and opportunities. Deciding between pre-tax traditional IRAs/401(k)s and post-tax Roth IRAs/401(k)s is not a one-size-fits-all decision. A well-thought-out strategy tailored to individual circumstances can make a significant difference in retirement outcomes. There are several key considerations for you to make, and your answers can help guide your decision-making process.

Classic deductible IRA and Roth IRA contributions can be out of reach for high earners with workplace retirement plans such as a 401(k)/403b/457s. Married couples filing taxes together are ineligible for 2025 deductible IRA contributions with modified adjusted gross incomes (MAGI) over $146,000. Roth IRA contributions ignore workplace retirement plan involvement, but those married filing jointly become ineligible with MAGI over $246,000.

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