Where should you save first?
The order that matters: capture your full employer match first, then choose Roth vs traditional by tax rate. Enter what you can save, your match, and your tax rates — the calculator gives the priority order.
Here's why
The employer match is a guaranteed return at the match rate — nothing else in investing is that certain. After the match, the Roth vs traditional choice is about whether your tax rate is higher now or later.
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Assumptions & methodology
Step 1 = full employer match (free money). Step 2 = Roth vs traditional based on tax now vs later. This is a sequencing framework, not a tax filing instruction.
Quantify the plan: Retirement Goal or check 401(k) Match for the match math.
Education, not advice: This tool is for education only and is not personalized financial advice. Employer matches and tax rules vary — verify with your plan documents. Past performance does not guarantee future results.