Should You Open a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA?

March 22, 2020
When choosing between a Roth or traditional IRA, it comes down to whether or not you think it's smarter to pay now or pay later, given your particular situation.

Please note: This podcast may contain outdated information about RMDs and retirement accounts due to the SECURE Act 2.0, a law governing retirement savings (e.g., among other provisions, the SECURE Act 2.0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Please note: This podcast may contain outdated information about RMDs and retirement accounts due to the SECURE Act 2.0, a law governing retirement savings (e.g., among other provisions, the SECURE Act 2.0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)

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After you listen

  • If you have questions about account types or your portfolio, you can always call Schwab at 877-279-4476.
  • If you have questions about account types or your portfolio, you can always call Schwab at 877-279-4476.

Almost everyone has the goal of saving for retirement. But before you can do so, you face one of the most fundamental questions about investing: Which type of account should you choose? If you're lucky enough to have a workplace retirement plan, that's often a great place to start. But if you don't—or even if you do and want to save more, or just want additional options—the individual retirement account, or IRA, is a popular choice for its tax-friendly features. However, choosing between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA requires some difficult forecasting.

On this episode, Mark Riepe is joined by Hayden Adams, CPA, CFP®, director of tax and financial planning at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to unpack the complexities underpinning the Roth-vs.-traditional decision.

  • Account choice isn't a conundrum only when you're accumulating assets. Listen to the episode "How Can You Pay Yourself in Retirement" to hear more about how to coordinate withdrawals across multiple accounts.
  • Remember that tax laws are always subject to change. You can check out the IRS Newsroom page regularly for updates.

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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.

What Is a Roth IRA?

Roth IRAs are individual retirement accounts that you contribute to with after-tax dollars (income you've already paid taxes on). The benefit? Your savings can grow tax-free.

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.

Diversification and rebalancing a portfolio cannot assure a profit or protect against a loss in any given market environment. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when rebalancing a non-retirement account, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.

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.

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.

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