In this short video, I’ll help answer a common question about individual retirement accounts (IRAs): what’s the difference between a Roth IRA, a traditional IRA, and a rollover IRA? If you’re confused by the different types of IRAs and which one might be right for you, I’ll break down the basics and explain the key differences between each type. By the end of the video, you’ll have a better understanding of IRAs and be better equipped to make informed decisions about your retirement savings….(read more)

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As you begin to think about retirement planning, one important concept to understand is the Individual retirement account (IRA). An IRA is a type of savings or investment account that is designed to help you save money specifically for retirement. There are three main types of IRAs: Roth, Traditional, and Rollover. Here is an overview of each type and how they differ from one another.

Traditional IRA

A traditional IRA is a type of retirement account that allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars. This means that you are able to deduct your contributions from your taxable income for the year in which you make the contribution. This can be a valuable tax benefit for many people, especially those who are looking to decrease their taxable income during the year. You will, however, have to pay taxes on your withdrawals in retirement.

Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is another type of retirement account, but it differs from a traditional IRA in several ways. The main difference is that with a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars. This means that you do not get a tax deduction for your contributions, but you also do not have to pay taxes on your withdrawals in retirement. This can be a great option for people who believe they will be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.

Rollover IRA

A Rollover IRA is an account that you can use to hold funds that you have rolled over from a 401(k) or other retirement account. This can be useful if you change jobs or retire and want to consolidate your retirement savings into one account. A Rollover IRA can be either a traditional or a Roth IRA, depending on which type of account you roll over funds from.

While understanding the basics of the different types of IRAs is important, it is also important to know the contribution limits and rules that apply to each. For 2021, the contribution limit for traditional and Roth IRAs is $6,000, or $7,000 if you are age 50 or older. There are also income limits for both traditional and Roth IRAs that determine whether you are eligible to make contributions.

In addition, there are withdrawal rules and penalties that apply to both types of accounts. With a traditional IRA, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) at age 72 and there may be penalties if you withdraw funds before age 59 ½. With a Roth IRA, there are no RMDs, but you may also be subject to penalties if you withdraw funds before age 59 ½.

Finally, it is important to note that IRAs are not investments themselves, but rather accounts that hold investments. This means that you can choose to invest your IRA funds in a variety of ways, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more. It is important to speak with a financial advisor to help you determine the best investment strategy for your IRA based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of IRAs and their rules is an important aspect of retirement planning. Traditional and Roth IRAs each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and a Rollover IRA can be a useful tool for consolidating retirement savings. Knowing the contribution limits, withdrawal rules, and investment options can help you make informed decisions about your retirement savings strategy.