Top Five Reasons to Pick a Roth 401(k) Over a Traditional 401(k)

EPISODE · Dec 17, 2025 · 8 MIN

Top Five Reasons to Pick a Roth 401(k) Over a Traditional 401(k)

from The Power Of Zero Show

This episode features David McKnight sharing the top five reasons why a Roth 401(k) is far superior to a traditional 401(k). Something important to keep in mind: the decision you make today will determine how much of your retirement money your future self actually gets to keep. David touches upon the fact that choosing the wrong 401(k) could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes in retirement. Tax rate risk is the first big reason why you should consider investing in a Roth 401(k) over a traditional 401(k). David lists a series of key questions people who invest in a traditional 401(k) often fail to ask themselves. The second reason to consider a Roth 401(k) over a traditional 401(k) is Social Security taxation. Most people believe that Social Security is tax-free…but it's not. 50% of your Social Security, plus wages, pensions, and interest, as well as all withdrawals from traditional IRAs and traditional 401(k)s, are what the IRS counts as provisional income. The third reason for choosing a Roth 401(k) and not a traditional 401(k) has to do with something that most retirees never plan for: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Remember: "When you control your taxable income, you control your Medicare costs." Required Minimum Distributions (or RMDs) are the fourth reason for opting for a Roth 401(k). The fifth reason for going for a Roth 401(k) instead of a traditional 401(k) has to do with your heirs. When they inherit a traditional 401(k), it becomes a tax bomb. So, why choose a Roth 401(k) over a traditional 401(k)? Because a Roth 401(k) helps you eliminate tax rate risk, avoid Social Security taxation traps, prevent Medicare premium explosions, stay in control of withdrawals, and leave tax-free income to your heirs.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: The Secret Order of Millionaires David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track Tax-Free Income for Life: A Step-by-Step Plan for a Secure Retirement by David McKnight DavidMcKnight.com DavidMcKnightBooks.com PowerOfZero.com (free video series) @mcknightandco on Twitter  @davidcmcknight on Instagram David McKnight on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at taxfreetoolkit.com

NOW PLAYING

Top Five Reasons to Pick a Roth 401(k) Over a Traditional 401(k)

0:00 8:04

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. The Game Radio Popolare Soldi, lavoro, avidità, disoccupazioni: il grande gioco dell’economia smontato ogni giorno da Raffaele Liguori. Photo Breakdown Scott Wyden Kivowitz Photo Breakdown is a podcast in which we explore the world of photography with a trusted guide, host Scott Wyden Kivowitz. His expertise and passion bring the industry to life as we explore the stories, trends, and ideas shaping it today. Join us as we dissect everything from incredible photographs and creative techniques to the latest gear releases and hot topics in the photography community.In each episode, we break down what’s happening behind the scenes - whether it’s making a powerful image, a candid discussion on industry trends, or a reflection on the tools and technology changing how we make photographs. You’ll get insights, expert opinions, and a fresh perspective on what’s top of mind for photographers right now.Anticipate short, engaging episodes brimming with ideas and inspiration. Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts, voice notes, and comments. Your participation is what makes our community vibrant and dynamic.It’s more than just photography - everyth The Last Outlaws Impact Studios at UTS In a History Lab season like no other, we're pulling on the threads of one of Australia's great misunderstood histories, moving beyond the myths to learn what the Aboriginal brothers Jimmy and Joe Governor faced in both life and death.Australia's budding Federation is the background setting to this remarkable story, that sees the Governor brothers tied to the inauguration of a 'new' nation and Australia's dark history of frontier violence, racial injustice and the global trade and defilement of Aboriginal ancestral remains. This Impact Studios production is a collaboration with the Governor family, UTS Faculty of Law and Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research.The Last Outlaws teamKatherine Biber - UTS Law Professor and Chief InvestigatorAunty Loretta Parsley - Great-granddaughter of Jimmy Governor and the Governor Family Historian Leroy Parsons - Governor descendant, Narrator and Co-WriterKaitlyn Sawrey - Host, Writer and Senior ProducerFrank Lopez - Writer,
URL copied to clipboard!