Professional Courtesy Among Ledgies

[David]

I notice that virtually every ledgie has an interesting skill or knowledge base of something. So I thought it would be nice if we could all help one another answer one another's questions about whatever. There is a lot of ledgie talent on the forum: teachers, accountants, healthcare practitioners, musicians, editors, bankers, loan officers, plumbers, students, retailers, writers, scientists, veterinarians, &c.

I'd like to know, in plain simple English, what the benefits are of a Roth IRA compared with my 401(k). I'm maxing on my 401(k) but Suze Orman says to consider Roth IRAs, & I didn't catch her reasons. Any of our money-minded or retirement-minded ledgies able to help me?

If anyone has an editorial question, I'll try to help -- that's how I make my living.