401k and Roth IRA question

[LivingAlmostLarge]

This is a really weird question. Okay, but I need to give an argument for it.

If you are a stay at home mom, and your husband works supporting the family, why do you need a Roth IRA, besides tax diversifications?

For example, my husband (not me, but I need to explain why), contributes $15.5k to his 401k. And this couple is eligible for a Roth IRA for both parties.

Other than tax reasons, why should she push to decrease the 401k and contribute to a Roth IRA in her name?

Argument - that in marriage retirement accounts are split in divorce. Is this always true (my question)?

Most people I know do both, but I want to explain to this person that they need to push the Roth IRA for more than just tax diversification.

[noppenbd]

I think it's a good idea for both spouses to contribute to a retirement account. It should still be considered "our" money IMO but it gives everyone a feeling that they are involved.

Also in the event of a separation/divorce, the primary breadwinner could decide to take out a loan on the 401k which would make it much more complicated to split up.

[jIM_Ohio]

This is a tax issue more than a spouse issue, IMO. You save $1250 in taxes for every 5k put into the 401k (assuming 25% bracket).

I think that makes sense for some tax situations.

If you were in 15% tax bracket, I would argue you should be putting 10k into Roths and 5.5k into 401k.

In 25% tax bracket, defer taxes (unless you expect to be in 28% tax bracket in retirement).