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How do I ... Choose traditional or Roth IRA?

By Bankrate.com

Topic: RETIREMENT
Who is affected: CONSUMERS AT ANY LIFE STAGE
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: EASY
What you'll need: YOUR INCOME AND TAX BRACKET INFORMATION

What you need to know

The benefits of individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are not to be underestimated. They're a great way to grow a secure nest egg, and they offer tax advantages.

But what is the difference between the two?

Roth IRAs are funded with your after-tax earnings. They then grow tax-free and aren't taxed when they're removed.

Traditional IRAs are funded with pretax earnings, meaning you don't pay the taxes up front. The money then grows tax-free, but is taxed later when you withdraw it in retirement.

Retirement experts debate which savings vehicle is best. Your present income and expected income in retirement play a significant role in determining which type of IRA you should choose.

Bankrate has several articles that can help you make the right choice. You may also benefit from discussing your options with a Certified Financial Planner.

At a glance: Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA
Traditional IRARoth IRA
Tax deduction for funding the account?Yes, if income eligibility requirements metNo
Required minimum distributions?Yes, by age 70½No
EarningsTaxed at withdrawalNever Taxed

Step-by-step
Use this calculator to examine your savings help determine whether a Roth IRA or traditional IRA is better for you.
Percent to contribute
Annual salary
Current age
Go
  1. Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA
  2. Taxes and your IRA
  3. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth
  4. 10 essential IRA terms
  5. Eight 401(k) facts
  6. IRAs: Are you over the limit?
  7. Rethinking retirement in tough times
  8. Traditional IRA may make tax cents
  1. Retirement planning checklist
  2. It's not too soon to budget for retirement
  3. How to build an emergency fund
  4. Retirement shortfall calculator
  5. What is your net worth?
  6. Figure your 401(k) savings
  7. Should you convert your IRA?
  8. Retirement vehicles: the basics
If you already have a traditional IRA, you can roll over your savings into a Roth IRA. You'll pay taxes when you convert, but your savings will be untaxed at removal, and you can avoid the traditional IRA's minimum distribution age of 70½.

Conversion usually benefits young workers in a lower tax bracket and high-income earners unable to directly contribute to a Roth IRA.

 

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Posted: Dec. 1, 2008
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ByBarbara Mlotek Whelehan
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