Roth v. Traditional Investment Accounts:
The Roth format, named after Senator William V. Roth Jr. (R-DE), was first implemented in 1998. The structural difference between Roth and traditional investments is the timing on the taxation. Whereas traditional 401(k)s and IRAs are funded with “pre-taxed” dollars – and the investor pays taxes upon distribution and withdrawal; Roth investments are funded with “post-tax” dollars, but there is no taxation on the gains the investment moneys make (providing it was invested for over 5 years and the account owner has reached the age of 59½.
Although there is some common debate as to which is the stronger format; they are actually equal in initial design. For example, the two graphs below are similar to the graph on the introductory web-page of this section, but they add the following extra information:
- The amount of Taxes to be paid either up front as a Roth, or in the end per the Traditional.
- The amount of annual and monthly interest that could be earned at each annual interval.
As you will note, both graphs not only calculate the growth of the overall investment, 
they also calculate how much money investors could distribute themselves (annual interest accrual only) at the end of each given year. As you will see, after taxes are paid on each distribution, the investor retains the same amount of net earnings.
If all things remained equal, there would be no difference between the two.
Many people look at examples like the ones above and falsely determine that there is no long-term difference between the Roth and the Traditional investments –which they are just different roads which eventually end up at the same time and place. Nothing however, could be farther from the truth. The reason why they graphs are equal is because they assume fixed numbers . . . such as a constant tax rate every year. But in reality this is rarely true. Marginal tax brackets change over time—both up and down—as do growth rates and other related factors to the building of a retirement portfolio. Once changes occur, typically one format will become temporarily stronger than the other. The trick is to understand that changes will fluctuate the strength of the two formats, how they will change the structure, and for what probable length of time.
The Most Common Change – The Change in Tax Brackets:
Many investors initially assume that upon their retirement they will fall into a lower tax rate (a perception from previous generations). But inherent in this thought is the reality that it means having less income at retirement –which may not be the best goal to shoot for. Many people accept a “less money” attitude because they believe they will have fewer debts (such as mortgages paid off), but this in turn will usually alleviate possible tax write-offs, increasing their tax obligations. (Eliminating mortgages will also lower an investor’s ability to build a wealthier portfolio, which also is counter-productive.) The point is, everything is inter-dependant, and preparing for a lower future tax bracket is will probably squelch the growth of a retirement rather than it is to increase it.
The Era of Self Directed Accounts:
Another major component to consider is the ability to self-manage IRA’s and 401(k)s. Self management greatly opens up the amount of investment options to include real estate and other non-traditional investment avenues. Because of leveraging and the amount of growth, the Roth format will often be the better choice. But again, that is not to say that it should be the only choice. For many investors a blend of the two (coinciding with the constant changes in tax brackets and other related matters) will often produce the maximized monetary result. There just isn’t one clear-cut winner . . . the choice has to be measured against the specific facts and circumstances of each individual investor.
As previously noted, the FDC Services group strongly suggest that all investors speak with a licensed securities professional to seek advice that is fact specific to the own situation. The benefits of Roth accounts, coupled with the ability to self-manage, are vastly underestimated in both strengths and diversity. Speaking to a professional in this area will help investors greatly enhance their overall retirement portfolio. The link below will take you to our “affiliate’s page” where there is information on companies that can help guide investors in these specific areas. The information to increase your retirement is only a click away, so take some extra time to do it now . . . you will be glad you did.
Additional Information on Retirement Funds Investing
IRA vs 401k |
Self-Directing Your Retirement Fund
Making more money and smarter choices is a lot easier
when you have the right tools.
For greater information on how self-directing your retirement monies can be leveraged with real estate, contact FDC Services Inc.
Self-Directed IRA and 401k
Partner Affiliations
In the spirit of our search to consistently associate with very high quality companies we have met with and interviewed the following companies. We of course advocate you doing your own diligence before you select a company. There are many good resources below which should help you in your decision and of course you may call or email an FDC representative at any time.
Guidant Financial Group
Information from Guidant Financial Group
- For information specific to Self-Directed IRA products that Guidant Financial offers to investors read more at their website.
- One of Guidant's investment vehicles - Auriga™ allows an investor the ability to purchase real estate with their retirement funds. Watch this video to learn about using Guidant's Auriga™.
- Guidant periodically hosts learning seminars online. Review the format, time and date information at this location.
For more information please contact:
Doug Miller
Senior Account Manager
13122 N.E. 20th. St. Ste. 100 | Bellevue, WA 98005
telephone: 888.472.4455 x3235