Many people operate on a moral precept that we should “render unto Caesar what Caesar is due.” My corollary to that is this: Caesar is due precisely what the tax code dictates, and not a penny more. If the esteemable Mr. Roth and his dedicated colleagues want me to have my retirement cabin with tax-free income, who am I to argue the point? Even the Supreme Court of the United States has concluded that you have the right to take advantage of every tax break allowed by law, no matter how much those savings tally to be.
Not taking advantage of those retirement vehicles that our government has given us in fits of benevolence is a tragic waste of potential. Not only do you potentially lose money today, but you also lose the magic of compounding over many years. I strongly suggest that you commit to maximizing your 401(k) savings and contribute the maximum to a Roth IRA each year. This is a tall order and requires some sacrifice. At least part of the money can be saved by not paying too much for the wrong kind of life insurance.