Beef Up Your Retirement Savings
There’s no doubt, Americans have a love affair with their 401(k) plans. But with their portfolios battered by the financial meltdown and the specter of rising health care costs looming, many future retirees are realizing that a 401(k) alone may not be enough.
In fact, financial experts say tomorrow’s retirees will need 80 to 100 percent of their pre-retirement income just to live comfortably! With that in mind, more and more investors are supplementing their retirement savings with an old friend — the Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
The good news is that you can contribute to an IRA even if you’re in a retirement plan at work!
Benefits Any Way You Slice It
There are two primary types of IRAs to choose from:
Traditional IRA: The original, or “traditional” IRA, allows retirement contributions to grow tax-deferred until withdrawn (potentially speeding their growth). Currently, you can contribute up to $5,000 a year, or up to $6,000 a year if you’re 50 or older. Eligible taxpayers can also take a tax deduction on their IRA contributions (eligibility phases out above certain adjusted gross income limits, and being in a retirement plan at work tightens these limits).
Roth IRA: By contrast, the newer Roth IRA offers tax-free growth. Taxes are paid up front — contributions are made with already-taxed dollars, so there is no deduction for contributions. That means contributions (but not earnings) can be withdrawn tax-free, without penalty at any age. That’s why many people use Roth IRAs for both college and retirement saving. Eligibility for contributing to a Roth IRA phases out above certain adjusted gross income limits.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve contributed the maximum to your 401(k) and still have money left over for retirement savings, an IRA may be a great place to put it.
For information about AAA’s Deposit Program, including traditional and Roth IRA CDs, visit AAA.com/Deposits or call 1-888-728-3230.
Misconception: IRAs are for older people. The truth is that younger investors often benefit the most because they have time (and the power of compounding interest) on their side.
Misconception: You need thousands of dollars to open an IRA. Wrong! Getting started without an initial lump sum is as easy as setting up automatic monthly payments.
