The contribution decision most professionals make once at enrollment — and never revisit as the math changes around them.
Most professionals choose Roth or Traditional at enrollment, when income is lower and the tax rate differential looks favorable. Then income grows. The marginal rate rises. And the Roth contribution keeps happening automatically — unrevisited, unjustified by the current math.
This brief explains when the calculus changes — and what the realistic options are when it does.
Every Plain Brief is built around a specific person in a specific situation — not a hypothetical.
Sarah had been contributing to Roth since enrollment at $72,000. Eight years and three promotions later, her marginal federal rate was 32%. The math had flipped — but the contribution type had not.
The Plain Brief is educational content only. It does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or professional advice. The Plain Brief does not sell financial products, earn commissions, or promote strategies. When a situation requires professional guidance, the brief says so explicitly.
Three formats. One decision. Complete clarity.
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