Dave Ramsey: Fire Your Tax Advisor for Recommending a 401(k)!

This episode of the Power of Zero Show sees host David McKnight address Dave Ramsey's advice – inviting a member of his audience to fire his tax advisor for recommending a 401(k). The problem with "financial gurus" like Dave Ramsey and the call-in shows they host is that they provide one-size-fits-all prescriptions that are delivered in very stark black and white terms. While David is an advocate for accumulating money in tax-free retirement vehicles, he also recognizes the importance of nuance with these types of recommendations.  David explains that contributing to a Roth 401(k) is a good avenue to explore if you believe that your tax bracket in retirement is going to be higher than it is today. David believes that taxes will rise dramatically over the next 10 years. Following one-size-fits-all advice shared by financial gurus puts you at risk of running out of money faster because you may pay a tax along the way that you didn't necessarily have to pay… David discusses when you should go for a traditional 401(k) and when it would be wiser to opt for a Roth 401(k) instead. According to a recent Penn Wharton study, if the U.S. doesn't right its fiscal ship of state by 2040, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending will arrest the financial collapse of the country. David goes over a couple of strategies that could help your money last five to seven years longer. The fact that there are huge benefits to investing in tax-free accounts shouldn't necessarily translate into you reflexively pouring all your retirement contributions into your Roth 401(k), says David. David shares his thoughts on when it may be a good idea to listen to Dave Ramsey and when it isn't a clever move to follow his advice.     Mentioned in this episode: David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track 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 Dave Ramsey David Walker Penn Wharton USA Today