John DeConno-Financial

07/23/2025

Roth vs. Traditional: Which Retirement Account Is Actually Better?

This is one of the most common questions I hear — and the answer isn’t always black and white.
Let’s break it down like an argument between the two:

Traditional 401(k)/IRA says:
“Get your tax deduction today, reduce your taxable income, and grow your investments tax-deferred. Perfect if you're in a high tax bracket now.”

Roth 401(k)/IRA fires back:
“Sure, but you’re deferring taxes into the unknown. Pay taxes now while they’re low and enjoy tax-free growth for life — no taxes in retirement!”

So, which one’s better?

It depends on your situation — but here’s a quick guide:

Roth might be better if you:
• Are early in your career
• Expect taxes to rise in the future
• Want tax-free retirement income
• Like the idea of no Required Minimum Distributions (Roth IRA)

Traditional might be better if you:
• Are in a high tax bracket now
• Need a deduction to afford saving
• Expect to be in a lower bracket later

Many investors benefit from a blend of both to diversify their tax exposure in retirement.


Disclosure: No investment process is free of risk; no strategy or risk management technique can guarantee returns or eliminate risk in any market environment. There is no guarantee that our investment processes will be profitable.

05/30/2024

New York may be soon to implement new payroll tax to cover long term care expense. Tax is ranging from .60% - 3%.

We can be subject to this tax if not covered already with a stand alone long term care insurance policy or through the long term care rider on a life insurance policy.

Washington is the first state in the U.S. to use payroll deductions to help fund long-term care. Will other states, like California and New York, follow?

03/29/2024

Retirement may change your perception of investment risk.

A change in your mindset during retirement may drive changes to your portfolio.

03/19/2024

Will our generation (Gen z) experience the same social security benefits as those before us?

No one can guarantee what it will look like in the near or distance future but data shows leading indicators of decline in the stability of the fund.

Partially due to disproportionate workers to retirees ratio.

May not be something worth depending on at all, rather a bonus. Leading us to be even more self reliant and take control of our financial future.

Good dialogue on this topic in video below from WSJ.

Over four million Americans will reach traditional retirement age in 2024, more than any other time in history. We break down how this demographic shift threatens the future of Social Security, which is funded by taxing current workers. Photo: Josephine Chu

03/13/2024

Is the nature of "retirement" changing?

How do you define retirement? Does it mean no longer trading your time for dollars and if so when?

Some may never "retire" in the traditional sense due to true passion for their "work".

Should retirement be whenever you generate enough sustainable passive income from assets to support your lifestyle and if so, how?


Full article on this topic from WSJ below

More Americans are turning 65 this year than any prior time in history. They are wealthier and by many measures, healthier, and expected to live another 20 years. A growing share are divorced. Many turn their focus to what they want in this new chapter.

02/24/2024

How long will your retirement money last with regular withdrawals? Have you run the numbers?

This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.

02/22/2024

After you leave work, what will your life look like? Organize your thoughts with the help of this piece.

What's your vision of retirement?

02/20/2024

1 minute read for veterans and active members of our military on convertibility of SGLI and VGLI policies.

Insurance is offered through The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. Such insurance is not being offered or provided by Guardian on behalf of the federal government and the offer is not sanctioned, recommended or encouraged by the federal government. There may be c...

12/30/2023

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep its key interest rate unchanged and foresees three rate cuts in 2024.

Here's what this means for you:
▪️ Lower interest rates could reduce borrowing costs across the economy. Mortgages, auto loans, business borrowing, and other forms of credit could become cheaper.
▪️ If inflation continues to decline as expected, the Fed might cut rates even further, keeping borrowing costs from rising.
▪️ A strong stock market in 2024 could be on the horizon, thanks to easing inflation.

However, it's important to remember:
▪️ Despite the positive outlook, the Fed has not conclusively signaled that rate hikes are done.
▪️ Some areas, particularly healthcare, apartment rents, restaurant meals, and other services, continue to see high inflation.

Remember, these economic shifts may seem daunting, but you're not alone in navigating them. Because in the world of finance, one-size-fits-all approaches simply don't work. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

🤝

Source:

The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate unchanged, and signaled that they expect to make cuts to their benchmark rate next year.

11/10/2023

Dear Veterans,

I extend my deepest gratitude for your selfless acts of altruism. Your unwavering commitment to the well-being of others, even in the face of adversity, embodies the true spirit of service and sacrifice.