Contributory IRA and regular 401K are basically the same thing: deferred taxes, required distributions. Roth IRA is different: no required distributions, no ta

Contributory IRA and regular 401K are basically the same thing: deferred taxes, required distributions. Roth IRA is different: no required distributions, no tax. (or a least they promise no taxes). You might want a Roth IRA because of ... #1 Higher tax rates in future. #2 You're not going to spend all your money, Roth IRA can provide tax free distributions for your heirs over their lifetimes. An inherited contributory IRA or regular 401K is taxed at distrubtion and distribution is accelerated (up to 5 years).