How do I actually calculate whether a Roth or Traditional IRA saves me more over my lifetime?

Compare your marginal tax rate today against the rate you expect in retirement. If your current bracket is higher than your future one, a Traditional IRA's upfront deduction usually wins; if you expect equal or higher rates later, Roth wins because withdrawals are tax-free. Younger workers early in their careers, and anyone expecting rising income, often favor Roth. But it's rarely all-or-nothing: tax diversification across both gives you flexibility to control taxable income in retirement, manage Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and adapt if tax law changes. The IRS treats both accounts identically for the annual contribution cap, so you split one limit between them. Run the numbers with the Roth vs Traditional calculator at wealthserene.com/tools/roth-vs-traditional before committing.