Do You Have the Right IRA for Your Retirement?

Damon Walker, AIF | June 14, 2023

A message from Edge Investment Solution's Damon Walker:

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 IRA and Roth IRA
You can contribute if you (or your spouse if you filed taxes jointly) have income from a job.
You can contribute up to $6,500 ($7,500 if you’re age 50 or older by the end of the year), or an amount equal to your income for the year if it was less than the contribution limit.
You and your spouse can each have an account.
Withdrawals made before you turn 59 1/2 will be subjected to taxes and an additional 10% penalty.
You can contribute funds at any time during the year or by the deadline for filing your tax return the following year.

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.

Traditional IRA	Roth IRA
In most cases, contributions are tax deductible.	Contributions are not tax deductible.
There are no annual income limits on contributions.	In 2023, you can contribute up to the limit if your income is less than $138,000 for single filers and $218,000 for married couples filing jointly.
You must make annual withdrawals from your IRA after you turn 73.	No withdrawals required if you are the original owner.
You must pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement.	You are not taxed on qualified withdrawals in retirement.

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 have a Roth IRA, you won’t be required to take any minimum distributions and qualified withdrawals are tax free.

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 may 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 may be a good 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 Investing Pro

That’s why when it comes to finding the right retirement investing choices for your situation, we always recommend getting with an investing professional. Our team 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!

This article provides general guidelines about investing topics. Your situation may be unique. If you have questions, connect with us.

Damon Walker may be reached at 877-299-6237 or damon.walker@mysmartvestorpro.com

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Source: Ramsey Solutions

Disclosure: A qualified distribution from your Roth IRA allows you to avoid taxes and the 10% early withdrawal penalty. To count as qualified, the distribution of earnings from a Roth IRA must meet both of these requirements:

1. It occurs at least five years after you opened and funded your first Roth IRA (even if you're withdrawing from a different Roth IRA account).

2. You take the distribution under one of these circumstances:

You are at least 59½ years old

You have a disability

The payment is made to your beneficiary or to your estate after your death

A withdrawal of up to $10,000 finances the buying, building, or rebuilding of a first-time homebuyer's home

A withdrawal of up to $5,000 in support of the birth of a new child or adoption