The Roth IRA – one of the best retirement investing accounts out there! However, as with any government investment vehicle, there are certain mistakes you want to avoid that can cost you MILLIONS in retirement. If you currently have a Roth IRA, or are thinking about investing in a Roth IRA…do NOT make these costly mistakes or all your hard work will go down the drain!

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Mistake 1: Pulling Money Out Too Early:
This is a huge pitfall with many investments – and something many Roth IRA investors think of doing. A Roth IRA is NOT an emergency fund. Withdraw money from Roth IRA before you’re 59 ½ years old, is subject to 10% penalty + income tax on any accrued earnings. A few exceptions to the rule, if the funds go towards the purchase of your 1st home (up to $10,000) tax-free withdrawal, or if they are distributed to your beneficiaries upon your death. But remember, you must have the Roth IRA be open at least 5 years before you withdraw any funds and you can leave the money in the Roth IRA for as long as you live, there is NO required minimum distributions.

Mistake 2: Over-Contributing To Roth IRA:
The 2020 maximum Roth IRA contributions was $6,000, if under the age of 50, and $7,000 if over the age of 50. BUT, be aware, there are income thresholds that can greatly penalize you in Roth IRA contributions. If you are making less than $124,000 single or less than $196,000 married filing jointly, you can contribute to a Roth IRA. If you make more than $139,000 single or $206,000 as a married couple, you are NOT eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. So what happens if you contribute above the income threshold – You will have made what is known as an ineligible excess contribution, which can result in tax penalties (6% of the ineligible amount).

Mistake 3: Forgetting To List Primary and Contingent Beneficiaries:
This is a very easy thing to forget and we are guilty for this initially – while setting up your Roth IRA, it is important to pay attention to the FINE print and fill out all the forms and paperwork properly. The money in the Roth IRA, will be payable to your estate which will go through probate (which involves court and lawyer fees ranging from 2-5% of the value of the Roth IRA).

Mistake 4: Not Taking Advantage Of The Spousal IRA For A Non-Working Spouse:
The general assumption seems to be that you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA of a non-working spouse because he/she does not have an earned income and therefore do not have post-tax dollars. FALSE! It is known as a Spousal IRA and entitles a non-working spouse to make contributions to an IRA under virtually the same rules as a working spouse. As long as the working spouse is capable of covering both IRAs – than you have the option of contributing up to $12,000 to Roth IRA each year!

Mistake 5: Not Making Contributions Because They Aren’t Tax Deductible:
Roth IRAs do NOT offer tax deductions according to 2020 IRS guidelines, but not contributing to one for that reason is nonsense. The investment earnings that a Roth IRA provides a tax-deferred and extremely beneficial in the long run.

Mistake 6: Not Contributing To An Roth IRA Because Of An Employer Plan:
You are allowed to contribute to a Roth IRA whether or not you participate in another retirement plan through your employer. This provides huge advantages, such as pre-tax and post-tax income tax sheltering, tax deductible contributions from your employer retirement, tax-deferred growth of your investment earnings from not 1 but 2 retirement accounts.

Mistake 7: Place The IRA In A Trust:
Make a trust the actual owner of an IRA causes IMMEDIATE taxation – 10% penalty tax if the IRA holder is less than 59.5. Any money that is placed in a trust from an IRA will have to be reduced by the tax liability upon the distribution of the IRA.

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A Simple Path to Wealth – J.L Collins

The Boglehead’s Guide to Investing – Wiley

**Disclosure: We are not financial advisors, the content on the channel is for informational purposes only and should not construe any such information or other material or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Invest at your own risk and always do your own due diligence prior to investing….(read more)

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