The tax-deferred and the tax-free categories carry significant tax-reduction benefits, which frequently make these two sorts of accounts a more appealing place to hold retirement investments.

FORBES: Expert View

Moreover, the political benefits of coddling the unions are immediate, whereas the costs are generally deferred.

ECONOMIST: Taking on the public-sector unions

An executive can still choose how and when he wants to receive deferred income, but he has to stick with the elections made and cannot accelerate receiving benefits.

FORBES

The primary benefits of contributing to an IRA are the tax deductions, the tax-deferred or tax-free growth on earnings and, if you are eligible, the non-refundable tax credits.

FORBES: IRA Contributions: Deductions and Tax Credits

In earlier research, Mr. Mahaney highlighted another benefit to deferring benefits until later: If you expect much of your retirement income to come from tax-deferred savings, you might be better off using those assets first and delaying all, or a large chunk, of your Social Security.

WSJ: Family Value: Bolstering Your Social Security Benefits