#609 Should You Contribute to Your Traditional IRA, or Go Roth Instead? episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 20, 2026 · 30 MIN

#609 Should You Contribute to Your Traditional IRA, or Go Roth Instead?

from Main Street Business · host Mark J Kohler and Mat Sorensen

Should you take the tax deduction today… or build tax-free wealth for tomorrow? In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down the Roth vs. Traditional IRA debate and explain why the “lower tax bracket in retirement” argument doesn’t always hold up in the real world.They walk through the math, the mindset, and the long-term strategy behind both options — including inheritance planning, self-directing for higher returns, tax rate uncertainty, flexibility in retirement, and why most entrepreneurs don’t actually earn less in retirement. You’ll also learn how the backdoor Roth IRA works for high-income earners and how to use creative tax strategies to offset Roth conversions.If you’re rushing to make a last-minute IRA contribution before the tax deadline, this episode could change your decision. Make sure you understand the long-term consequences before chasing a short-term deduction!You’ll learn:The real difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA — and why the math isn’t the whole storyWhy the “you’ll be in a lower tax bracket in retirement” argument often fails for entrepreneurs and investorsHow paying taxes on the seed vs. the harvest dramatically impacts long-term wealthWhy a Roth IRA can be the most powerful asset to leave to your kidsHow high-income earners can legally use the backdoor Roth IRA strategyWhen a Traditional IRA might still make sense — and how to use both strategicallyHow to create offsetting tax strategies to fund a Roth without increasing your tax burdenWhy contributing early (not just before the deadline) can significantly increase long-term returnsGet a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!! Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp609-traditional-vs-roth-iraReady to Take the Next Step?Work With Mat & Mark’s Law FirmGet strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]Take Control of Your RetirementWant to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.[Learn More About Directed IRA]Free ResourcesMat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing GuideLearn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.[Download the Free Guide]Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax GuideDiscover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.[Download the Free Guide]Get More From Mat & MarkWatch on YouTubeTax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.[Visit the YouTube Channel...

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Should you take the tax deduction today… or build tax-free wealth for tomorrow? In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down the Roth vs. Traditional IRA debate and explain why the “lower tax bracket in retirement” argument doesn’t always hold up in the real world. They walk through the math, the mindset, and the long-term strategy behind both options — including inheritance planning, self-directing for higher returns, tax rate uncertainty, f...

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#609 Should You Contribute to Your Traditional IRA, or Go Roth Instead?

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This episode was published on February 20, 2026.

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