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Traditional IRA vs Brokerage Account
Compare tax-deferred growth in an IRA against taxable investment growth in a brokerage account.
Your Information
Timeline
35 years
18 years70 years
65 years
36 years80 years
90 years
66 years100 years
Savings
$50,000
$0$500,000
$6,500
$0$7,500
2026 IRS limit: $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+)
7%
1%12%
Tax Rates
24%
10%37%
22%
10%37%
15%
0%20%
Retirement Withdrawals
$50,000
$10,000$200,000
Take-home amount after taxes
Traditional IRA
Total Contributions$245,000
Total Growth$2,889,006
Net Taxes-$353,840
Total Withdrawn$1,821,093
Net to You$1,420,452
Remaining BalanceLeft at age 90
$1,312,913Brokerage Account
Total Contributions$245,000
Total Growth$2,939,078
Net Taxes-$281,897
Total Withdrawn$1,396,925
Net to You$1,250,000
Remaining BalanceLeft at age 90
$1,698,980Traditional IRA provides more retirement income
$170,452 more (13.6%) over your retirement
+13.6%
Projections
Year-by-Year Projection
| Age | IRA BalIRA Balance | IRA TaxIRA Taxes | Brok BalBrokerage Balance | Brok TaxBrokerage Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | $60,455 | +$1,560 | $60,336 | -$1,679 |
| 41 | $124,788 | +$1,560 | $123,549 | -$1,803 |
| 46 | $215,018 | +$1,560 | $211,341 | -$1,976 |
| 51 | $341,570 | +$1,560 | $333,270 | -$2,215 |
| 56 | $519,065 | +$1,560 | $502,610 | -$2,548 |
| 61 | $768,012 | +$1,560 | $737,797 | -$3,011 |
| 66 | $1,046,116 | -$14,103 | $1,002,451 | -$7,121 |
| 71 | $1,098,595 | -$14,103 | $1,075,427 | -$7,735 |
| 76 | $1,172,199 | -$14,103 | $1,174,522 | -$8,274 |
| 81 | $1,275,004 | -$14,197 | $1,310,503 | -$8,792 |
| 86 | $1,342,156 | -$19,344 | $1,498,163 | -$9,343 |
| 90 | $1,312,913 | -$23,962 | $1,698,980 | -$9,847 |
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for illustrative purposes only. Actual results will vary based on market performance, tax law changes, and individual circumstances. Consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.