Roth IRAs vs. Traditional IRAs

  • Investing
Preparing for retirement is an admirable goal, but it can be a little overwhelming at the start. IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) are some of the most common ways people save for retirement, and there are 2 types.

When choosing between a Roth IRA and Traditional IRA, there are some important differences to consider.
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Traditional IRAs

A Traditional IRA is an individual investment account with tax-deferred growth and potentially tax-deductible contributions. This means choosing to invest in:

  • Mutual funds
  • Stocks and bonds
  • Exchange-traded funds
  • Bank savings products

Your investments then grow without the gains taxed until the funds are withdrawn in retirement, though early withdrawal can bring higher penalties. The most you can contribute each year through age 49 is $6,000. If you’re 50 or older, it’s $7,000.


Roth IRAs

A Roth IRA is also an individual investment account, but it differs from a Traditional IRA in a couple of important ways:

  • Contributions to Roth IRAs are not tax deductible
  • Retirement withdrawals are tax-free

The most you can contribute each year through age 49 is $6,000. If you’re 50 or older, it’s $7,000.

And where a Traditional IRA would penalize you for early withdrawal (to up 10%!) and would be taxed at your current income rate, a Roth allows you to withdraw contributions (not earnings) any time without penalty or income taxes.


Planning Ahead

Deciding which type of IRA is right for you depends on your current situation. Some people can benefit from upfront tax break a Traditional IRA brings, while others prefer to know they won’t be taxed in retirement.

Everyone’s situation is different, and for many, retirement can feel like an impossibility. Learning how you can invest in yourself and your future can turn that into a possibility – everyone has to start somewhere.

A+ Tip: The Affinity Plus Investment Representatives can advise you on your specific situation, and provide guidance for all kinds of future plans.

Disclaimer
Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution.  CBSI is a registered Broker/Dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America.

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