Traditional vs Roth: Marginal Rate or Effective Rate?

In this episode, we tackle some of the most common, and most confusing, retirement planning questions physicians and high-income professionals face. We dig into the pros and cons of Traditional vs Roth contributions, how TSP and deferred compensation plans really work, and what to know about 401(k) match true-ups. We also walk through real-life scenarios like merging finances when a spouse has no income but owns an IRA, and how to maximize annual contributions to a solo 401(k).

Today's episode is brought to us by SoFi, the folks who help you get your money right. Paying off student debt quickly and getting your finances back on track isn't easy, but that's where SoFi can help — they have exclusive, low rates designed to help medical residents refinance student loans—and that could end up saving you thousands of dollars, helping you get out of student debt sooner. SoFi also offers the ability to lower your payments to just $100 a month* while you're still in residency. And if you're already out of residency, SoFi's got you covered there too.

For more information, go to https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/Sofi SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Additional terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891.

The White Coat Investor has been helping doctors, dentists, and other high-income professionals with their money since 2011. Our free personal finance resource covers an array of topics including how to use your retirement accounts, getting a doctor mortgage loan, how to manage your student loans, buying physician disability and malpractice insurance, asset allocation & asset location, how to invest in real estate, and so much more. We will help you learn how to manage your finances like a pro so you can stop worrying about money and start living your best life. If you're a high-income professional and ready to get a "fair shake" on Wall Street, The White Coat Investor is for you!

Find 1000's of written articles on the blog: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com Our YouTube channel if you prefer watching videos to learn: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube Student Loan Advice for all your student loan needs: https://studentloanadvice.com Join the community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor Join the community on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor Join the community on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor Join the community on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor Learn faster with our Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com Sign up for our Newsletter here: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter

00:00 WCI Podcast #443 01:30 What to Do with Your TSP 07:44 Comparing Marginal vs. Effective Tax Rates 13:00 Deferred Compensation Distributions 19:37 Remaining Balance Issue w/ ETFs 24:19 401(k) True-Ups 28:40 What to Do with a Traditional IRA 32:27 Solo 401(k) Contributions