How to Use the Roth vs Traditional Breakeven Calculator

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What this calculator actually helps you understand

The Roth vs Traditional Breakeven calculator exists for investors who want to compare tax timing. It turns that decision into a repeatable checklist instead of a guess. It works best when future tax rates predictable. Rather than promising outperformance, it helps you surface the trade-offs described as “Encourage scenario-based comparison.”

Inputs explained (with realistic examples)

Current savings: Total investable assets dedicated to retirement (exclude emergency reserves).
Contributions or withdrawals: How much you expect to add (during accumulation) or withdraw (during retirement).
Return and inflation assumptions: Scenario inputs to stress-test sustainability, not precise predictions.
Time horizon: Number of years the plan must work—longevity matters.

Outputs: how to read the results

Projected balances or withdrawal capacity: Scenario results based on your contribution and return assumptions.
What it does not do: Guarantee returns or outcomes. It simply applies the assumption "Future tax rates predictable" to your inputs.

Common mistakes people make

Mixing employer match tax rules.
Treating the output as a forecast instead of a scenario.
Ignoring fees, taxes, or behavior changes that sit outside the model.

When this calculator is genuinely useful

When you need a calm way to compare tax timing without hand-waving.
When you want to communicate the rationale behind roth vs traditional breakeven decisions to a partner, advisor, or investment committee.
When you need to compare multiple scenarios quickly (best/middle/worst).

When this calculator can mislead you

When the core assumption (“Future tax rates predictable”) clearly does not hold in your situation.
When inputs are based on optimistic guesses rather than verifiable numbers.
When behavioral factors (sticking with contributions, honoring stops, etc.) matter more than the math.

How this fits into a broader financial decision

Roth vs Traditional Breakeven is one slice of the decision. Pair it with qualitative checks: liquidity needs, tax context, counterparties, and diversification. Link it with companion calculators (for example: Encourage scenario-based comparison) so readers see how today’s choice affects the rest of the plan.

Use the calculator

👉 Try the calculator here

Rules

Do not treat any scenario as personalized advice.
Stay conservative with inputs and double-check assumptions before acting.
Avoid country-specific tax or regulatory claims unless you verify them yourself.

Back to the Roth vs Traditional Breakeven Calculator