Traditional IRAs are a great investment vehicle for retirement for those who qualify to contribute to them (there are some limitations), and they have some interesting features that can make them very advantageous.
Here are some of the benefits of a Traditional IRA:
- Anyone can contribute, as long as they have earned income; however, you cannot contribute more money to a Traditional IRA than what you have in yearly earned income (ex: if you only made 4,000 for a year, you can ONLY contribute up to 4,000 in your Traditional IRA for that particular year)
- For 2015 and 2016 the annual contribution limit is 5,500 (6,500 if you're over age 50), and you have the freedom to invest in any type of investment you are comfortable with (stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, CDs, annuities, etc.)
- Your money grows TAX-DEFERRED (and contributions are tax-deductible) so no matter what your tax bracket is in retirement (past age 59 ½), your distributions will be taxed at that current rate (hopefully a lower rate than during your working years)
- You have until April 15th of the following year to make a yearly contribution (ex: you have until April 15th, 2016 to contribute to your Traditional IRA for 2015), allowing 15 ½ months to fill your Traditional IRA up each year
- You can make non-deductible contributions and those contributions should never be taxed once withdrawn (must keep track of non-deductible contributions carefully)
- Traditional IRA rules allow you to withdraw your money out early (before age 59 ½) at any time BUT there is a 10% penalty for doing so (there are also several exceptions where the IRS will waive the 10% early withdrawal penalty)
There are also some possible disadvantages with Traditional IRAs though:
- You have to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) by Apr. 1st of the current year once you pass the age of 70 ½ (you are NOT required to take RMDs from a Roth IRA)
- If you do NOT withdraw your RMD amount, you face very stiff penalties from the IRS (at least 50% of your RMD for starters)
- If you are already covered by a retirement plan at work and depending on your tax filing status and income your Traditional IRA contributions may not be tax-deductible, or only partially deductible
- There are certain types of investments you cannot make, such as life insurance contracts, antiques, collectibles, and most precious metal coins (there are a few types of coins that are exceptions to this rule)
- You need to have a crystal ball to determine whether tax rates will be higher, lower, or the same as in the future when you retire, which will determine the true effectiveness of Roth IRA compounding investments vs. Traditional IRA compounding investments over time (read this last point as "it isn't easy to figure this out")
Find a experienced financial adviser who deals with Traditional IRAs on a regular basis, works for an RIA firm, earns his/her money from fees (NOT commissions), believes in having an abundance of investment choices for clients, and has the heart & demeanor of a teacher, NOT a salesman, and chances are you've found the right financial adviser to help you prepare and plan for retirement.
To learn more about Martin Federici view his Paladin Registry profile.
Previously posted on PaladinRegistry.com and updated for Huffington Post.
About the Author: Martin Federici, Jr. is happily married to his beautiful wife since 1999, have 3 young active children, is an avid sports enthusiast (especially basketball), healthy eater, regular exerciser, CEO of 2 practices with a fantastic friend and business partner, practicing financial advisor/planner since 2005, and loves his clients - life is good! Follow Martin on Twitter @mfadvisers