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Roth or Traditional at 55: Which 401(k) Makes Sense?

Phil’s Tax Hacks · January 22, 2026

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🌱 Roth Benefits – Paying tax now for future freedom

📊 Tax Brackets – Why today’s rate still matters

🧠 Decision Strategy – Running the math, not guessing

🔄 Contribution Flexibility – Adjusting elections as circumstances change

Today’s Hack

If you’re weighing a Roth versus Traditional 401(k), you’re not alone and the right choice isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds. Phil breaks down the key factors that should drive the decision based on your long-term goals. Instead of leaning on generic rules of thumb, the focus is on understanding the math and the tradeoffs involved. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but guessing without a plan is almost always the wrong one.

Go Inside the Episode:

0:00 – Intro & Listeners Question

1:12 – Roth vs. Traditional 401(k)

4:36 – Tax Brackets & Deferring Tax

11:06 – Flexibility in 401(k) Contributions

If you have any questions about what we discussed in this episode, reach out and we’ll be happy to set up a time to talk.

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