[spider]

401k's are basically the same as traditional IRAs (tax deductible) except the limits are much higher (IRA limit is $4,000) but many don't qualify for a deductible IRA at all. What might be confusing about this is that you take an explicit deduction for a deductible/traditional IRA whereas with a 401k it doesn't even show up on your W2 (although they still take out FICA). But because it isn't showing up on your W2, that makes it an implicit deduction. Either way, your taxes are reduced by your marginal rate multiplied by the deduction (implicit or explicit).

It's possible to have a long discussion about Roth vs traditional IRAs vs 401k's vs Roth 401k's but the bottom line is whatever amount of money you save should go in any of the above 4 options before it goes into an ordinary taxable account.

So if you'd prefer to put some amount of money in a Roth rather than your 401k, that's fine, whatever. Just put it in one or the other rather than a taxable account.

Also, some company 401k's offer crappy investment options (i.e. brokerage mutual funds with ridiculous expense ratios). In that case, you still want to conribute to the match but maybe not beyond that. But also keep in mind that when you leave the company, you can roll everything into an IRA.