Roth or Traditional for FIRE?

[New Mom and Dad]

My wife(27) and I(24) want to retire in 16 years. We plan to max our IRA's as well as my 401k and possibly a brokerage account for any extra. What would be better for us wanting to retire early, the Roth IRA's or the Traditional IRA's?

[saijoe]

I would say, at your ages, Roth.  That tax free growth is, to me, the differentiator.  The only way I think you might choose Traditional over Roth is if you are a high earner needing that tax deferment. 

[New Mom and Dad]

BeanCounter,

I was not aware that you cant have a traditional as well as a 401k at the same time.

[beltim]

maybe I'm not understanding your question, but you can't save in a traditional IRA and a 401k at the same time.

This is 100% wrong.

[New Mom and Dad]

Beltim,

So which do you think is better for us to do ? Roths or Traditionals?

[saijoe]

Agreed.  You can contribute to a 401k and an IRA.  If you only have the money to do one IRA, go Roth. 

[BeanCounter]

maybe I'm not understanding your question, but you can't save in a traditional IRA and a 401k at the same time.

This is 100% wrong.

uh, oh, just checked it and then deleted my post. you are correct, you can do both, but there are limits on the deduction if you max out your 401k.
Thank you for the correction!

[beltim]

Beltim,

So which do you think is better for us to do ? Roths or Traditionals?

Depends on your goals.  For most people interested in a very early retirement, traditional IRA and 401k accounts are better.  It's complicated, but here's a good discussion:
http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Traditional_versus_Roth

There are some good threads on the subject here as well – it's a very common question.