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Monday, January 25, 2010

Roth or Traditional IRA

My fiance is in the process of rolling over her old 401k. As such, I introduced her to my broker, who handled my rollover in 2008. She has had one meeting with him and is scheduled to go back this week, to finish up the process. One decision, she has to decide upon is does she set up a regular IRA or a Roth?

We both like the idea of the growth being tax free, but that means the current cash would have to have tax paid on it. Where if she made a straight roll over from the 401k to a traditional IRA, the taxes wouldn't be paid until she retired.

If she chose the Roth route, when would she have to pay the IRS? Right now? Next April (2010 tax season)? Or when?

At the same time, I am contemplating converting my traditional IRA rollover, I already have with him, to the Roth. Yet, I have the same questions. So what should I do? I want to get all my debts paid for this year and pay for a wedding with cash, so how will this affect me and my goals? Any thoughts?

3 comments:

  1. I went with the Roth, I'd rather know the exact amount in my account.
    ReplyDelete
  2. Without knowing both of your current marginal rates, and the amount of the 401(k) to be converted, this cannot be answered.
    I'd not be more comfortable having her pay 25% today (high earner?) only to find than in 2 years you have a baby, and she takes time off. You are then (maybe) in the 15% bracket and can convert enough to stay at 15%.

    There is Roth Mania out there, too many people making unsubstantiated generalities without doing the math or making any attempt to apply any reason.

    My prediction - far too many will convert and live to regret it.
    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your nice tips on the ROTH.

    Anyone suffering from debt ought to think about hiring only the best rated debt consolidation companies on the market.
    ReplyDelete

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