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High Finances: Welcome to the IRA Pylon Race

In our financial pylon race, the Roth IRA is the clear winner. Jeff Berlin
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Investing in an IRA (Traditional or Roth) consistently yields better after-tax returns than a taxable brokerage account, making non-contribution the "only true loser."
  • The optimal choice between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA depends on whether an individual expects their tax bracket to be higher or lower in retirement.
  • A Roth IRA is generally more advantageous for those who anticipate being in a higher tax bracket during retirement, as taxes are paid upfront at a lower rate.
  • A Traditional IRA typically benefits individuals who expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement, as it allows for tax deferral to a potentially lower future rate.
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In a previous column, I asserted that all pilots need to maximize contributions to a Roth IRA each year. In this column, we’ll see why by examining three ways to invest $6,000:

Jason Depew

Jason Depew flies as a captain for a major U.S. airline. He is also an Air Force reservist and has flown more than 300 combat missions over Afghanistan and other garden spots. Based in Tampa, Florida, he instructs in the Icon A5 and anything else he can get his hands on. His writing is focused on personal finance for pilots with the goal to help all types of aviators enjoy great careers, sometimes in spite of themselves. You can send Jason questions at editorial@flying.media.

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