• Tikiporch@lemmy.world
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    6 days ago

    An individual retirement account (IRA) is a tax-advantaged personal savings plan designed to help individuals save money for retirement. These accounts offer tax benefits, such as tax-deferred growth or tax-free withdrawals, depending on the type of IRA chosen. Unlike employer-sponsored 401(k)s, individuals typically open and manage IRAs on their own at a financial institution like a bank or brokerage. Anyone with earned income can open an IRA, even if they already have a workplace retirement plan.

      • expatriado@lemmy.world
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        6 days ago

        pre-tax “traditional” and post-tax “Roth”, named after a politician that pushed retirement tax laws 30-40 years ago

        • W98BSoD@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          6 days ago

          And depending on where you plan to retire (amongst other factors) influences which you choose to contribute to.

          Remember kids, index funds in your IRA/401k are your friend. Stay away from mutual funds.