Do You Have the Right IRA for Your Retirement?

A football team wouldn’t head into a championship game—or even have made it there—without a solid game plan, right? Of course not! Winning isn’t an accident. And the same is true when it comes to your money goals. In the game of retirement investing, knowing the differences between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA can help you create a winning game plan.

An IRA (Individual Retirement Arrangement) is a retirement savings account providing tax advantages (more on that later) for retirement savings. Depending on your retirement dreams, you may need more income in retirement than you think to support your lifestyle. Employer-sponsored plans, like a 401(k), might not cover the savings you need. So, starting an IRA or rolling your 401(k) funds into an IRA can help you to retire inspired.

Traditional vs. Roth: What Do They Have in Common?

Traditional vs. Roth: What Makes Them Different?

The main difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA is how they’re taxed. Take a look at a side-by-side comparison.

Tax Deductions

With traditional IRAs you can deduct contributions on your annual tax return. The amount of the deduction depends on your filing status, income, and whether you have access to a workplace plan. Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible. But paying your taxes up front has its perks (more on that in a minute).

Distributions and Withdrawals

A distribution is when you take money out of your IRA penalty free. It doesn’t trigger the 10% penalty because you’re:

• 59 1/2 or older, or
• Rolling the money from one qualified plan to another, like a 401(k) to an IRA.

For traditional IRAs, you’ll be required to start taking minimum distributions when you turn 73 (if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022).⁴ If you have a Roth IRA, you won’t be required to take any minimum distributions.

Now, early withdrawals, on the other hand, are where we sometimes do stupid. This is when you withdraw money from your IRA before age 59 1/2. When you do that, you’ll get slapped with a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Not to mention, you’re taking out money that would otherwise continue to earn more money and grow. Don't do it!

Taxes on Withdrawals

If you withdraw funds after 59 1/2, you’ll be taxed at your current tax rate for any traditional IRA distributions. With Roth IRAs, your withdrawals are completely tax-free. That’s worth repeating: Your Roth distribution is not taxed. Being able to withdraw all the money you have accumulated during your working life tax-free is like an investing self-high five. That’s why whenever we say “Roth” it just makes us happy because you have tax-free growth, with after-tax dollars doing tax-free stuff!

Roth or Traditional?

Okay, we’ve broken down into a little more of what each of these retirement investment vehicles brings to the table. At the end of the day, the Roth IRA is the best option out there for building wealth and saving for your retirement dreams. You simply can't beat tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement! 

Talk With an Investment Pro

That’s why when it comes to finding the right retirement investing choices for your situation, we always recommend getting with an investment professional. A SmartVestor Pro can help you understand your options and figure out what works for your specific circumstances. Remember, a dream without a plan is just a wish!