IRA types, comparisons, and foundational knowledge
Parents ask me a version of this question in almost every consultation: “If we contribute $X a year to our kid’s Roth IRA, what will that actually be worth by the time they retire?” It’s a fair question — the numbers involved are large enough, and the time horizon long enough, that intuition alone doesn’t … Read more
Most of what’s written about Schwab and Roth IRAs on this site is aimed at parents opening a custodial account for a minor. This review is different — it’s for adults opening their own Roth IRA at Schwab, whether that’s a first-time investor, someone consolidating accounts, or a parent who just helped their kid open … Read more
“Should we just put the money in a high-yield savings account instead?” I get this question from parents who’ve done some homework, noticed savings APYs above 4%, and started wondering whether a custodial Roth IRA is worth the extra paperwork. It’s a reasonable question — and the honest answer is that these two accounts aren’t … Read more
You opened a custodial Roth IRA when your child was young, contributed faithfully for years, and now there’s a milestone approaching: their 18th birthday. Parents ask me some version of this question constantly — “what actually happens to the account when my kid turns 18? Does the money just… become theirs?” The short answer: the … Read more
The backdoor Roth IRA is one of those financial strategies that sounds complicated but is actually quite simple once you see the steps clearly. If you’ve heard the term and wondered what it means — and whether it applies to you — this guide explains it plainly. First: Why a “Backdoor” Is Needed The Roth … Read more
One of the most common questions I receive as a financial planner is some version of this: “My kid earns money doing things around the house — can I pay them for that and then contribute to a Roth IRA for them?” It’s a genuinely important question, because the Roth IRA is an extraordinary wealth-building … Read more
I still remember the client who came into my office in 2007 convinced she needed a traditional IRA because her coworker told her so. She was 34, earning $68,000 a year, and planning to retire early. She had never run a single projection. Neither had her coworker. After building out her full tax picture — … Read more
A few years ago, a surgeon came to me frustrated. She was earning just over $230,000 a year, had maxed out her 401(k), and kept hearing that she “made too much” to contribute to a Roth IRA. She assumed that door was permanently closed. It wasn’t. Within one meeting, we had a backdoor Roth IRA … Read more
Financial Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Key Takeaways What Is the Difference Between a Custodial IRA and a Traditional IRA? When comparing a custodial IRA vs traditional IRA, the most fundamental distinction is who can open one … Read more
Roth IRA for Kids: The Benefits & How to Open One Family Finance • 6 min read A Roth IRA is one of the best ways to save for retirement. Common knowledge suggests that the account’s primary purpose (retirement) means it is only suitable for adults who have retirement in sight. Think again. Yes, a … Read more