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IRA Retirement Account

Have you opened an IRA retirement account yet? IRA’s are best way to enter retirement with the money you will need to support yourself in a comfortable lifestyle. These flexible accounts also offer a variety of tax advantages that can help your money grow into the small fortune you need for the retirement you deserve. These factors make an IRA account the perfect way to save.

How can the tax advantages of an IRA retirement account earn even more money for retirement? Individual retirement accounts allow investors to contribute money to their account pre-tax—that is, before the government takes their own share. Investors can then invest this tax deferred money until they retire. This means that all of the money that would have been paid to the government can instead be invested and re-invested in the IRA retirement plan, collecting money in an exponential snowball of investments. This phenomenon, called compounding interest, make an IRA retirement account an essential part of planning for the future,

There is, however, a cloud to go with this silver lining. The government knows what a great deal an IRA retirement account can be, so they have imposed a few limits on them. Every year, the government sets annual contribution limits that restrict the amount of money people can invest for their future. In addition, there are also ‘catch up’ contributions allowed for middle aged people who may not have saved as vigilantly as they should have. Another benefit of an IRA retirement plan is that it lets investors actively manage their accounts, moving their money from investment to investment in the way they think their money will do best. IRA’s may have lower limits than certain types of retirement accounts, but this freedom and choice is difficult to resist.

There are also clear disadvantages to an IRA retirement account for people who may want their money sooner rather than later. Money invested in an IRA cannot be withdrawn before the government’s legal retirement age of 59 and a half without being subject to stiff penalties. This may include a ten percent penalty and a ten percent flat tax, as well as income taxes. Altogether, this may add up to almost half of the individual retirement account’s funds, a sizeable chunk of the hard-won profits.

Despite this, you shouldn’t let fear of these penalties stop you from opening an IRA account. If you found yourself in dire circumstances, there is a loophole that might let you have your money penalty free. Hardship withdrawals are allowed without penalties if you meet a set list of circumstances, which include college expenses, excessive medical bills, avoiding losing your home, and permanent disability. If you lose your job, the money can travel with you to the retirement account at your new company.

Have you opened up an IRA yet? If not, what’s stopping you? This blend of security and earning potential is a proven way to plan for the future. An IRA can make all the difference in the quality and happiness of your golden years, so don’t let it go any longer.


IRA Retirement Account
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