We have always targeted 60% FAE so my income in retirement would be less, 40% less. And I choose when and how much to withdraw, thereby controlling my tax burden. Do you understand why we have an income tax provision and not an income tax expense on our 10-K. It's because paying taxes when they are not due is silly. See also NOL carry forward. Clue: paying taxes is to be avoided until it is due.

At the end of the day, the goal is to have the most money possible saved. You do this by maximizing growth rate and minimizing tax exposure. Sometimes that means deferring taxes, sometimes that means paying them. You are suggesting deferring is always better, and that’s as wrong as those on here who say that Roth is always better. Everyone’s individual situation, risk tolerance, and financial goals are different. Right now we have a setup that allows us to taylor our savings plan how we want. More options are better, eliminating options would be a step backwards. You are alone on an island here saying that the mbcbp should still be implemented if mandatory, and your refusal to see the validity of other strategies, or even acknowledge that what you want might not be best for everyone is absurd.

I couldn't agree more.

Not sheltering an increasing dollar amount above the 401k limit, due to wage growth and increased DC amounts, is a step backwards.

sheltering money at 5% is a worse deal than I sheltered money at market returns for most of us. No thank you, you can keep that “step forwards” for yourself. Don’t force me into it

Wouldn't a guaranteed 5% return on a small portion of your retirement savings free you up to be more aggressive in the rest of your portfolio? And ensure tax savings.

Can you at least admit that there is a point where post tax money can outperform tax deferred money, depending on rates of return and marginal tax rates?

Yes, but you won't get there without significantly more risk. And even if you do it won't be consistent like a guaranteed return.

How many years do you have until retirement? I get it if you have 5 or less you might want to start being more conservative and defer some taxes as well if you think you're going to be in a lower tax bracket in 5 years. You should be able to have the OPTION to do that, but you can't force everyone else to do it too.

This!

filler

“Whoever retires with the least number of hours wins” —An old wise airline pilot

I’ll take it one step further, if the goal of this job is to maximize pay for time worked, do what ever it takes to just barely hang on to the job in order to maximize vacation and sick leave. 19+ years is roughly 400 hours. Drop everything else, stay out of the chief pilot’s office, do something else with your time. This is how you squeeze every drop out of the turnip. If you are worried about excess cash (415c) you’re spending too much of your time working for someone else and not maximizing your worth. Seriously, 400 hours of pay without turning a wheel is the goal.