20: The Grapes of ROTH

The ROTH IRA is an amazing retirement tool that offers tax-free options as our money grows. Galia answers all of your questions regarding ROTH IRAs and why they are so beneficial for your portfolio. The Grapes of ROTH Who can open one? Can you do so if you are self-employed or work for a company? Can your teen open a ROTH? How should you pick investments for your ROTH IRA and where is best to open one? Hey - who created the Roth? Susan reveals how easily seduced she is by safe deposit boxes and their hidden secrets. Hint: million-dollar jade, trench coats, and cigarettes may be involved.

1. Amazing tool for retirement. Ideal for people that don’t have a lot of money saved and a great tax-free option. Also a great tool for freelancers and teens - anyone with EARNED INCOME.

2. Why is it so great? The money goes in after taxes but when it comes out after age 59 ½, the money is completely tax-free! So it grows tax-deferred/or free while it is in the Roth IRA account and when you take it out, you don’t pay taxes. Other IRAs and 401k, you do pay taxes when you take them out - at your current tax bracket.

3. Who can open and add to one? Only if you make less (adjusted grow income ) than $144,000 as a single person and $214,000 as a married couple.

4. Maximum amount. You can contribute up to $6,000 a year and an additional $1,000 for a total of $7,000 if you are over 50 (catch-up provision).

5. What if you have a ROTH IRA and earn more than the income limit? That’s ok. Just leave it and manage it but technically you can’t add to it.

6. Where can you open a ROTH IRA? Any mutual fund company or investment firm such as Vanguard, Fidelity or Robo-advisor.

7. What if I want to move my ROTH IRA to a different firm? You can! Just transfer the ROTH IRA from one firm to another. It happens all the time. In fact, I suggest it if it’s in a firm where funds are expensive and don't offer index funds.

8. Do I have to pick an investment? Yes! You do. The ROTH IRA is just a big empty box that has amazing tax benefits. You have to pick investments. Think long-term for retirement and consider a Target Date Retirement fund.