Setting aside money for retirement is essential, whether you’re nearing retirement or have many years to go. While most people opt for a workplace 401(k) plan, an individual retirement account (IRA) is another excellent choice.
One of the main advantages of an IRA is the increased control you have over your investments compared to a 401(k) or similar plan. This control allows you to tailor your investment strategy to your specific goals and risk tolerance.
Furthermore, IRAs offer the flexibility of choosing between a traditional and Roth IRA. Both types provide distinct tax advantages, allowing you to pick the one that aligns best with your financial situation and future tax expectations.
How does a Roth IRA work?
A Roth IRA is a popular retirement account that offers tax advantages to individuals. Unlike traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, a Roth IRA provides tax-free investment growth and tax-free withdrawals during retirement. The term “Roth” simply means you pay taxes on the contributions now, but you won’t have to pay taxes on the withdrawals later. This is in contrast to traditional accounts where you get a tax deduction for contributions but pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement.
Deciding whether a Roth IRA is suitable for you depends on your current and future tax liability. If you expect to have higher taxes in the future, a Roth IRA may be more advantageous. Conversely, if you believe taxes are higher now, a traditional account might be preferred.
Your current and anticipated future earnings also play a role in determining if a Roth IRA is right for you. If you’re early in your career and anticipate your income to increase, taking advantage of a Roth IRA during your lower-income years could be beneficial. However, high-income earners might not find a Roth IRA advantageous since it doesn’t provide immediate tax savings.
Another factor to consider is the potential for future tax rate changes. While future tax rates are uncertain, it’s essential to gain perspective on the current historically low tax rates when making a decision.
Best investments for a Roth IRA
When starting with a Roth IRA, selecting the right investments is crucial to ensure your money grows effectively for retirement and aligns with your financial objectives.
According to Schlagbaum, there’s no one-size-fits-all “best investment” as each individual’s financial situation is unique. Therefore, finance requires a nuanced approach. However, he suggests that index funds and/or ETFs are generally solid choices that can work well for many investors.
Both ETFs and index mutual funds offer various benefits, such as low investment fees and the advantage of portfolio diversification. These factors can positively impact your overall returns and help spread risk across different assets.
U.S. stock index funds
U.S. stock index funds are highly recommended for a Roth IRA due to their numerous benefits. These funds offer exposure to every part of the market, including large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, making them well-diversified. The passive nature of these funds leads to lower investment fees, which is advantageous for investors.
U.S. bond index funds
To mitigate investment risk, U.S. bond index funds are an excellent choice. While they may have lower returns compared to stocks, they are less volatile, performing better during economic downturns. Bonds provide a fixed income through interest payments, allowing investors to reinvest and grow their portfolios.
Global stock index fund
To further diversify your portfolio, consider investing in global stock index funds. These funds include stocks from around the world, providing exposure to international markets and companies.
S&P 500 index fund
The S&P 500 index fund is a reliable option for broad market exposure, consisting of 500 large companies. Investing in this fund can benefit from the overall growth of the stock market. Although various investment companies offer their own version of the S&P 500 fund, the contents should be similar, with the main difference lying in the fees charged.
Nasdaq-100 index funds
For exposure to large technology companies, Nasdaq-100 index funds are an attractive choice. The Nasdaq-100 index comprises the largest and most actively-traded companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange.
Dividend stock funds
Dividend stock funds can be a smart addition to a Roth IRA portfolio, as they provide consistent distributions and can help reduce your tax burden, thanks to the tax-free nature of Roth IRAs.
REIT funds
Although direct investment in real estate is generally not possible with a Roth IRA, investors can still gain exposure to real estate through REIT funds. REITs are companies that own and operate real estate investments, offering the benefits of real estate ownership without the associated time commitment.
Target-date funds
Target-date funds are a popular option for retirement accounts. These funds gradually adjust their asset allocation over time as retirement approaches, offering a fully diversified portfolio with minimal effort required from the investor.
Remember that each investment option comes with its own set of risks and potential rewards, so it’s essential to consider your financial goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Diversification is key to building a resilient portfolio that can withstand market fluctuations.
Things to consider
As you embark on your Roth IRA investment journey, it’s essential to keep in mind several key factors that will influence your path towards a successful retirement. While we’ve already discussed some investment options previously, there are other critical considerations that should shape your Roth IRA investment strategy.
One vital aspect to consider is your risk tolerance. Understanding how much risk you are comfortable with is crucial in determining the right mix of investments for your portfolio. A more conservative investor may lean towards stable and lower-risk assets, while a more aggressive investor may be willing to take on higher-risk investments for the potential of greater returns.
Avoid risk where possible
Prioritize stability over speculation in your retirement fund. While cryptocurrencies like bitcoin may offer high returns, their volatility makes them unsuitable for retirement accounts. Instead, opt for proven investment methods such as diversified portfolios of stocks or mutual funds, providing steady and reliable growth over time.
Factor in tax implications
Take tax implications into account when making investment decisions. Some investments, like municipal bonds, are exempt from federal taxes, offering no additional benefit within a Roth IRA. On the other hand, investments like REITs, with generous dividends not sheltered from taxes, could greatly benefit from the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA.
Leverage your retirement timeline
Consider your trading activity and investment timeline. A Roth IRA exempts active traders from reporting capital gains taxes annually, and distributions during retirement are tax-free. Additionally, a longer investment horizon increases the potential for higher returns, potentially reducing tax liabilities when you make withdrawals. Striking the right balance between these factors contributes to a more secure retirement.
