I calculated in this way:
Using 100 as the basis, 30% as the tax rate on the 100. Also 30% on the
capital gain (assuming all short-term). Calculate returns after 20 yrs.
Option A (self-operated stock) : 10% annual return
70*(1+0.07)^20 = 270.8779
Option B (401K): 5% annual return (pay 20% tax at the end of 20 yrs)
100*(1+0.05)^20*.8 = 212.2638
If 2% annual return:
100*(1+0.02)^20*.8 = 118.8758
Of course, this is largely depending on the actual return one can get in the
future. But other th