Both Roth and Traditional are tax advantaged accounts - the tax advantages are just at opposite ends. You do pay income tax on contributions to a Roth account, but you don't pay income tax on qualified distributions, so the growth is all tax free after age 59 1/2. Traditional account contributions are deducted from your current income for tax purposes, but the distributions are counted as income down the road. You can stop contributing to your Roth and start contributing to a Traditional. You also may re-characterize contributions already made this year. I think contributions made for 2015 can still re-characterized until the October deadline for filing an amended return (you'd need to file an amended 2015 tax return to claim additional refund money). Contributions already made that cannot be re-characterized should remain in your Roth account. Which account ultimately provides the best tax advantage is a function of your marginal tax rate in the year of contribution and tax rates paid on the funds at withdraw. If you're a high earner using a frugal lifestyle to retire early, your low expenses in retirement can help you stay in a low tax bracket, so Traditional is likely a better choice. Roth is a great choice for someone who is currently in a lower income, early career position but expects to earn (and spend) a high income later and continue working to standard retirement age to support a spendypants lifestyle.
