The advent of the Roth 401(k) last month has started with a whimper instead of a roar. If you have more than a few years left before your retirement, you need to tell your place of work that you are interested in them offering you this investment vehicle.

Free Money Finance talks about some main points reported by the Seattle Times:The Roth 401(k) is a new tax-savvy retirement plan being virtually ignored by employers these days.

Like any benefit, employers don't have to provide the Roth 401(k). Only about 18 percent of U.S. companies surveyed said they would offer it when it became legal Jan. 1, according to the Chicago-based Profit Sharing and 401(k) Council of America, an employers' group.

"I see this as a great opportunity for my clients," said financial planner Michael Dubis of Touchstone Financial in Madison, Wis. "But employers see this as another expense, not a benefit."

Here is a great benefit and reason for you to push this to be implemented you your employer:

Since every non-Roth retirement program taxes you at the full rate when you pull out money, the Roth can boost retirement income by more than 35 percent relative to other programs if you are in the top tax bracket.

The Roth 401(k) will offer the identical contribution totals as traditional 401(k)s, but will mature tax-free and earnings won't be subject to income taxes when withdrawn in retirement.

Is there anyone who should not consider contributing to the Roth 401(k)?

Near retirement.

Employees who will be retiring before long and will be in a lower tax bracket most likely wouldn't profit from the Roth 401(k)'s tax-free withdrawals. You'd be better off staying with the traditional 401(k) so you could lower your taxable income while your still in a higher tax bracket.

Unsure about future tax bracket.

If you don't know whether you'll go down into a lower tax bracket in retirement you may want to stay with your traditional 401(k) plan or divide your contributions in case you actually continue in a higher tax bracket.

If neither of these circumstances relate to you, I would highly recommend that you pursue this option vigorously with your employer.

For in-depth 401(k) help check out the 401(k) help center here.