Retirement Savings
One of the top goals for most people is saving for retirement. With their tax advantages1 and easy eligibility, IRAs can be a powerful tool in saving for retirement. IRA funds compound and grow faster as the interest earned is not taxed each year.,
Easy Eligibility
Anyone with earned income can open a Traditional IRA, and possibly a non-working spouse if a joint tax return is filed. There are income and tax filing eligibility requirements to open a Roth IRA.
Easy to Open
Most banks and brokerage firms offer IRAs along with several investment choices.
Tax Deferred or Tax-Free Earnings
Interest earned on a Traditional IRA is not taxed until you withdraw it. For most people, withdrawals start after retirement when they're typically in a lower tax bracket. Interest earned on a Roth IRA is tax-free if the accountholder made their first Roth contribution at least five years prior to the withdrawal and is 59-½ years of age. Consult with a tax advisor for specific information.
Tax Break1
Traditional IRA contributions may be tax deductible dependent on your participation in an employer sponsored retirement plan and your MAGI.
Investment Options
You control how your IRA is invested. You can choose a low risk, high yielding FDIC bank certificate of deposit, or invest in stocks, bonds or mutual funds via a brokerage firm. You can move your IRA funds from one investment vehicle to another, or from one IRA Custodian to another via an IRA Trustee Transfer.
No or Low Fees
Many IRAs don’t charge set up, monthly or annual fees, and if they do, the fee is typically much lower than a 401(k)-advisor fee.
Low Minimum Opening Balance Requirements
Many IRAs have low opening balance requirements. Some as low as $100 to $1,000 depending on the investment vehicle.
Early Withdrawal Tax Penalty Exceptions
There are exceptions that allow you to make a withdrawal from your IRA plan prior to age 59-1/2 without incurring an early withdrawal tax penalty. One of the exceptions is for qualified first-time home buyers who are allowed to withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free. Please see the
IRS site for additional exceptions to tax on early distributions. If you have your IRA funds in a CD, the early withdrawal penalty for removing funds during the CD term may still apply.,