clydewolf

Pamy,

Yes and Yes.

Do both if can afford to and qualify for the ROTH IRA.

If your employer has a matching contribution to the 401k plan contribute enough each payday to qualify for the employer matching. Then if you can afford more for your future retirement contribute up to the maximum to a ROTH IRA. When you have more income that you can invest for your future, then increase your contribution to the 401k plan.

Generally your contributions to the 401k plan are tax deferred.
But some employers do offer a ROTH (after tax) type of 401k.
It is impossible to say which plan would be best for you, more information would be required.

- Qualify for the maximum 401k employer matching contribution. When the employer does not have a matching contribution, then go to the next step first.

- Contribute to your ROTH IRA.

- Contribute more to your 401k plan.