I want to share the calculation that finally convinced me to maximize my 401k beyond the employer match.

At my marginal tax rate of 22%, every dollar I contribute to my traditional 401k costs me only $0.78 in take-home pay. The full dollar is invested; the government's cut is deferred.

If I'm in a 12% effective rate in retirement (realistic given standard deductions and moderate withdrawal amounts), the deferred dollar costs $0.12 when withdrawn — less than the $0.22 I avoided.

The math: contribute $1 pretax, defer $0.22 in taxes today, pay $0.12 in taxes when withdrawn. Net tax savings: $0.10 per dollar contributed.

On a maxed 401k contribution of $23,000: the tax advantage is approximately $2,300 per year compared to investing in a taxable account. Over 30 years, that $2,300 annual advantage at 7% return represents approximately $217,000 in additional wealth.

This is not a compelling reason to favor traditional over Roth in all cases — it depends on your specific tax rates. But it's why the 401k beyond the match deserves serious consideration even when you're not at peak income.