Things to Know About IRAs

IRAs or Self Directed IRAs are great investmentsearned through investments will not be allowed to
for the future. Between employer based IRAsbe withdrawn until you are 59 ½.
and personal IRAs, the rules and benefits of eachThe Education IRA is great for parents who want
can get confusing. Here we will explain fiveto save money for their children's education. It
different types of IRAs and the pros and cons tocan be set up by a parent or guardian for a child
each.under the age of 18. The money will also be tax
A traditional IRA has the most restrictions of allfree for its life but can only be used for
the IRAs. However, it is sometimes the onlyeducational purposes.
option because of the income restriction placed onSEP IRAs are set up by employers for their
the Roth IRA. Even the traditional IRA has greatemployees retirement benefits. They have most
benefits with tax deductions, tax deferredof the same rules as a traditional IRA as far as
income, and investments.making withdraws. One benefit of this IRA is the
Money in a traditional IRA is tax deferred until it isamount you can contribute per year. You are
withdrawn. You can also receive a tax deductionallowed to have 15% of your income put into the
on any of the contributions made. It is still a greataccount which can be more than the standard
option for investing as your income will also beamount if you make enough.
tax deferred. You can withdraw money fromThe last account we will discuss is the SIMPLE
your account at the age of 59 ½ or earlier ifIRA. This is also set up by the employer but is
you want to pay a 10% fee. At the age of 70not as complex as the SEP IRA. This IRA is not
½ you will be required to make withdraws.as expensive for the employer. Because of this,
Roth IRAs are the most desirable of all the IRAs.many small companies have set these up for
You must be making under $95,000 as a single ortheir employees' retirement benefits.
$150,000 as a couple to qualify for one. TheWith whatever IRA you have you can usually set
greatest benefit to this account is the tax freeit up to be a Self Directed IRA. This means you
income. You will not receive a tax deduction, butcan invest the money on your own. This is a
will not have to pay taxes when the money isgreat option for those that already know how to
withdrawn. You will be allowed to withdrawinvest. If you are unsure or don't have the time
money at any point if it is the money youto make this investment then you can simply
originally contributed. This means your moneychoose not to have a Self Directed IRA.