How Can You Get Started with an IRA?

August 21, 2022
What are some of the incentives for younger investors to start saving for retirement?

Please note: This podcast may contain outdated information about RMDs and retirement accounts due to the SECURE Act 2.0, a law governing retirement savings (e.g., among other provisions, the SECURE Act 2.0 will raise the age at which individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement account to 73, beginning in January 2023). For more information about the SECURE Act 2.0, please read this article or speak with your financial consultant. (1222-240S)

Please note: This podcast may contain outdated information about RMDs and retirement accounts due to the SECURE Act 2.0, a law governing retirement savings (e.g., among other provisions, the SECURE Act 2.0 will raise the age at which individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement account to 73, beginning in January 2023). For more information about the SECURE Act 2.0, please read this article or speak with your financial consultant. (1222-240S)

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or copy to your RSS reader.

Transcript Open new window

After you listen

  • For more information on how to get started with an IRA, visit Schwab.com/IRA.
  • Stay informed about retirement strategies, taxes, and other topics with Schwab Insights & Education—visit Schwab.com/Learn.

Instinctively, most people know that it's a good idea to save money for the future. But when it comes to saving for retirement, there are complex decisions each person must face—and typically when they are just starting out in the workforce. Is it better to contribute to a 401(k) or a Roth IRA? When can a traditional IRA make sense? How can you convert a traditional account to a Roth account?

In this episode, Mark Riepe speaks with Hayden Adams. Hayden is director of tax and wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. He's also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and certified public accountant, and he provides analysis and insights on topics like income tax planning, tax-efficient investing, asset allocation, and retirement withdrawal strategies.

Hayden and Mark discuss the history of IRAs, the various types of accounts, how to invest once the account is open, and many of the pressing decisions facing younger investors when they are deciding how best to save for their future. Taxes play a key role in many of the decisions, and Hayden walks listeners through the potential pitfalls—and benefits—of each savings-related decision.

Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Which IRA is right for you?


 

Roth vs. Traditional IRAs: Which Is Right for You?

Traditional and Roth IRAs have distinct requirements, including eligibility and contribution limits. Here's a guide to help you decide which may be better for you.

3 Strategies for Reducing Roth IRA Conversion Taxes

How to make the most of a Roth IRA conversion.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.

This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

Roth IRA conversions require a 5-year holding period before earnings can be withdrawn tax free and subsequent conversions will require their own 5-year holding period. In addition, earnings distributions prior to age 59 1/2 are subject to an early withdrawal penalty.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Any corporate name mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation, endorsement, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.

0822-2J82