While the traditional 401(k) has many benefits, the Roth IRA is an even more advantageous account to prioritize instead. The idea of never having to pay taxes again is incredibly attractive when compared to a tax-heavy account like a 401(k). What's more, you can open a Roth IRA at a provider of your choice -- without any connection to your current employer. 

Here, we'll go through why the Roth IRA should be seen as a priority investment account over the 401(k). 

When you invest money into a 401(k) via automatic payroll contributions, you get a tax deduction in the current year. With Roth IRA contributions, the opposite is true: you voluntarily pay tax at your current rate and contribute money that's already been taxed. In exchange for a tax bill today, you receive the golden opportunity to invest money tax-free forever (so long as you hold your Roth IRA open for five years). This is a gift, both monetarily and psychologically, for most everyday investors. 

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Source Fool.com