Traditional TSP Vs Roth TSP?

2014-08-09T18:48:59-04:00

When it comes to things like this I am totally lost. I would like to get a few opinions on which one is the best to invest in and why.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 11:17 AM

2014-12-30T11:17:11-05:00

From what I understand the Roth is better because you pay taxes on it up front. The Regular TSP you are taxed when you withdraw.

So picture this. Both accounts grow over time the money that grows with the Roth are not taxed when you take it out where as the growth with the Regular is.

I have a Roth that I maxed out and then additional mutual funds.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 11:18 AM

2014-12-30T11:18:09-05:00

see this: https://www.tsp.gov/planparticipation/eligibility/comparisonMatrix.shtml

TSP: Tax Treatment of Your Contributions: Traditional/Roth Comparison Matrix

Thrift Savings Plan

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 11:35 AM

2014-12-30T11:35:07-05:00

ACS Armywide offers finance classes and can explain in detail all your questions.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 9:34 PM

2015-01-30T21:34:42-05:00

Im also very lost and looking for more input. What % do people put in? Im 23, E-4 pay, and live in the barracks. Also no state tax. What would you suggest?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 12:21 PM

2015-02-09T12:21:45-05:00

Keep in mind that this is for IRA type, not TSP. However, the basic concept works the same. From CNN Money:

"Let's say you're eligible for both a Roth and a traditional IRA. Generally, you're better off in a traditional if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket when you retire. By deducting your contributions now, you lower your current tax bill. When you retire and start withdrawing money, you'll be in a lower tax bracket, thereby giving less money overall to the tax man. If you expect to be in the same or higher tax bracket when you retire, you may instead want to consider contributing to a Roth IRA, which allows you to get your tax bill settled now rather than later.
But it can be difficult, if not impossible, to guess what tax bracket you will be in later in life, particularly if you've got a long way to go until you retire. So if you're not sure, another rule of thumb is to keep your retirement savings tax diversified, meaning you have accounts that will be both taxable and tax-free when you cash out in retirement. For example, if you already have a tax-deferred 401(k) plan through your employer, you might want to invest in a Roth IRA if you are eligible."

Source: http://money.cnn.com/retirement/guide/IRA_Roth.moneymag/index7.htm

What is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA is a retirement savings account that allows your money to grow tax-free.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 2:14 AM

2015-08-13T02:14:31-04:00

I know the original post is old, but I came across it so other may. Here's a quick break down for Roth vs Traditional. The is a generalization and different people may benefit from one or the other more. Roth is "after tax" dollars whereas a traditional is "pre-tax". Look at it like this...

My GROSS monthly income is $5,000. I add $500 to a traditional (could be TSP, IRA, or 401k). Now my taxable income is $4500.

Again, my income is $5000 and I add $500 to my Roth (IRA or 401k, does TSP offer a Roth?) my taxable income is still $5000.

A couple pros and cons... (And again this is in general and there's more to it)

Traditional - when I take money out at retirement (59.5) it's taxed as ordinary income. Roth will come out tax-free.

At 70.5, you MUST take your Required Minimum Distributon (RMD). So Uncle Sam says you have to take $X out each year and pay taxes on it. With a Roth, there's no RMD.

Each person is different. But most people are now contributing to a Roth, especially if you are younger. For military who plan on retiring, in my opinion I would recommend a Roth.

Think about this..
You retire at 45. Start a second career. You retire again at 65ish. You have Social Security (don't start that debate please) and your pension. You're already going to be in the 25%+ bracket. Now you will be paying 25% on your withdraws. Many people do not even need to make withdraws, but you're battling your RMD.