Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA
How do the tax treatments differ?
Compare deduction eligibility, withdrawal rules and a same-budget example.
The comparison library
Roth IRA comparisons.
Start with your question.
Comparing a Roth IRA with your workplace plan? Wondering how it differs from a savings account? Find the guide that matches what you want to understand.
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Tax choices
Understand the tax question before comparing the accounts.
Work and self-employment
Start with the plan offered at work or used by your business.
401(k) vs. Roth IRA
How does my workplace plan fit with a Roth IRA?
Explore employer contributions, pre-tax and Roth options, access rules and fees.
403(b) vs. Roth IRA
What should I compare in my 403(b)?
Look at plan choices, costs, catch-ups and rollover questions.
SEP IRA vs. Roth IRA
How does a SEP fit into self-employed saving?
Read about employer contributions, business-income calculations and employee costs.
SIMPLE IRA vs. Roth IRA
My employer offers a SIMPLE IRA. What is different?
Compare plan contributions, Roth options and the traditional SIMPLE withdrawal and rollover rules.
Solo 401(k) vs. Roth IRA
What if I work for myself?
Explore plan eligibility, employee and employer contribution roles, and coordination with a Roth IRA.
Savings and investments
Separate the account from what you keep inside it.
Taxable brokerage account vs. Roth IRA
How does the account change the tax treatment?
Compare contribution rules, access to money and the treatment of investment income.
Savings account vs. Roth IRA
How should I think about cash access and retirement saving?
Separate account rules, holdings and protections; examine emergency-cash access.
CD vs. Roth IRA
Am I comparing an account with something it can hold?
Understand CDs inside and outside an IRA, interest taxation and early-access costs.
Other savings goals
Explore the differences when education, healthcare, children or insurance are part of the question.
HSA vs. Roth IRA
How do health savings and retirement saving differ?
Read about health savings account eligibility, medical expenses, state taxes and Medicare considerations.
529 plan vs. Roth IRA
How do education and retirement goals fit together?
Explore education expenses, financial aid, state-tax questions and conditions for a 529-to-Roth rollover.
Trump Account vs. Roth IRA
Which rules matter when saving for a child?
Separate account eligibility, funding sources and withdrawal rules.
IUL vs. Roth IRA
How is indexed universal life insurance different?
Separate insurance coverage, policy charges and loans from retirement-account rules.
A different kind of comparison?
Sources and scope
This library helps you find a guide; it does not determine eligibility or recommend an account. Each linked guide has its own publication history, examples and sources. The library date is not a new review date for every linked article.
- IRS Publication 590-A (2025 edition), “How Much Can You Deduct?” and “What Is a Roth IRA?” — the deduction distinction.
- SEC Investor.gov: 401(k) plans — workplace plans and their pre-tax and Roth options.
- FDIC EDIE glossary, “Certificate of Deposit” and “Certain Retirement Accounts” — the difference between a deposit product and an ownership category.
Want more official documents? Visit the source library.
Educational information, not personalized financial, tax or legal advice.