The Retirement Account Decision Blueprint | How to Choose Between a 401(k) and Roth IRA

A Calm, Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding 401(k)s and Roth IRAs, and Choosing What's Right for Your Situation

A clear, jargon-free guide to the real concepts behind retirement account decisions — employer matching, traditional vs. Roth tax timing, and contribution prioritization — built to help you ask the right questions with confidence.

Inside you'll find:

• 20 chapters covering account types, tax timing, investment options, and building your personal decision framework
• Practical question lists for your employer's benefits department and a financial advisor
• Honest treatment of genuinely uncertain questions like future tax rates, without false predictions
• 7 printable worksheets, including a contribution priority framework and annual review
• A retirement account glossary and myths vs. realities quick-reference

This guide provides general education on U.S. retirement account concepts only and is not personalized investment or tax advice. Contribution limits, income eligibility thresholds, and tax rules change annually and vary by circumstances — always verify current-year figures through official IRS resources or a qualified financial advisor before making decisions.