A financial tool designed to evaluate the potential outcomes of saving for retirement using either a traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k) plan. These calculators typically project future account values based on user-provided data, such as contribution amounts, expected rates of return, tax brackets, and time horizon. An example would be inputting current salary, planned contribution percentage, and anticipated retirement age to see projected retirement income under both scenarios.
The significance of such a tool lies in its ability to illuminate the long-term financial implications of choosing between pre-tax (traditional) and after-tax (Roth) contributions. This decision impacts not only current taxable income but also the taxation of withdrawals during retirement. Historically, the choice was less complex, but with evolving tax laws and varying individual financial circumstances, the need for a comparative analysis has grown. This informs better informed retirement planning.