Volume 15: The Lockshield Letter
Jan 2, 2026
Episode 4: Roth vs PreTax Retirement
Roth vs. PreTax: Pros and Cons
Episode Description
For decades, Americans have been told to save for retirement—but the how has changed dramatically. In the 70s and 80s, pension plans ruled. Then came the IRA, built entirely on pretax savings. In the 1990s, Senator Roth introduced a new idea: incentivize Americans to save by offering tax-free growth.
In this podcast, we break down the two core tax “buckets” that still shape retirement planning today—Traditional (pretax) and Roth. You’ll learn how pretax contributions can lower your taxes now but are fully taxable later, and how Roth contributions flip the script by skipping the deduction today in exchange for tax-free income down the road.
Whether you’re just starting to save or trying to make smarter decisions with your retirement dollars, this show helps you understand where your money goes, how it’s taxed, and why choosing the right bucket matters more than you might think.
Recent Podcasts
Tips, advice, and more
Episode 9: Qualified Charitable Distributions
Understanding QCDs
Episode 8: Required Minimum Distributions
RMDs Made Simple
Episode 7: The Backdoor Roth IRA
The Backdoor Roth IRA Explained
Episode 6: Roth Conversions
A Guide for Roth Conversions