But that math is not so simple: there is an opportunity cost due to that 20% or so tax paid now not producing compound interest over the next several decades. The nestegg delta between $100 invested now/taxed later vs. $80 not taxed later is not so clear cut and subject to many future unknowns, not the least of which are changes to tax law.

Regardless of your path chosen, investing early and as much as possible gives one the best foundation for success.