Roth IRA vs. Traditional 401(k)

[PerpetualWanderlust]

I apologize in advance for the "basic" question, one that I feel like I should have figured out by now.

At 50k before taxes (38k after), should I be investing in a Roth IRA, or a Traditional IRA?

I can't seem to find a straight answer, or even a wholistic overview of the variables I should be considering. Also, any insight on how the tax laws might change in the future would be greatly appreciated.

[sisto]

You will find the answers in this thread or from some of the links provided in it.

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/taxes/traditional-vs-roth-ira/

[MDM]

See https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Traditional_versus_Roth for what may be the definitive treatment.

The major variables to consider are
1) your current marginal tax saving rate on this year's tIRA contribution
2) your expected marginal withdrawal tax rate on tIRA distributions from this year's contribution

Good luck on any predictions about the future. ;)

[Hotstreak]

Another link :)  http://www.gocurrycracker.com/roth-sucks/

[MDM]

Another link :)  http://www.gocurrycracker.com/roth-sucks/

Except the analysis is incorrect in that version.  See the Bogleheads link for the correct treatment.