Roth vs Traditional IRA: Best Choice by Age, Income, and Timeline

Roth vs. Traditional is one of the most common questions in retirement planning—and it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The WealthWise Show, we break down Roth contributions/conversions vs. Traditional (pre-tax) contributions in plain English so you can make a decision based on your goals—not internet arguments or one-size-fits-all rules.You’ll learn:What “Roth” and “Traditional” actually mean (and what’s getting taxed, and when)The real trade-off: tax savings today vs. flexibility laterThe 3 factors that usually drive the decision:your current income and tax situationyour retirement timeline and expected income needshow much flexibility you want in retirement (tax planning options)When Roth often makes sense (and when it doesn’t)When Traditional often makes sense (and when it doesn’t)Common myths (like “Roth is always better” or “Traditional is always smarter”)By the end, you’ll have a simple framework and a few practical questions you can use to decide what fits your situation—and how to avoid regrets later.Next Step: If you want help organizing your retirement accounts into a strategy you can actually stick to, you can book a complimentary retirement plan review with a fiduciary advisor.DisclosureThis episode is for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Any examples discussed are for illustration only and are not guarantees of future results. Tax rules are complex and subject to change—please consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.Benowitz Wealth Management is an independent firm and is not affiliated with the Florida Retirement System (FRS), the State of Florida, the State Board of Administration of Florida (SBA), the Division of Retirement, or MyFRS. Any discussion of FRS benefits, rules, or plan options is for general educational purposes using publicly available information. FRS rules and benefits may change, and eligibility and outcomes vary by member. For official guidance and your personal benefit details, consult MyFRS.com, your employer/HR, the Division of Retirement, or other official state resources.