Contribution Rules - Individuals with earned income can open a Roth IRA, but contributions cannot exceed their earned income, with a maximum of $7,500 ($8,600 for those aged 50 and over) in 2026 [1][2] - The maximum contribution limit varies by age, allowing catch-up contributions for individuals aged 50 and older [2] Tax Benefits - Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement, contrasting with traditional IRAs that provide immediate tax deductions but tax liabilities upon withdrawal [4][5] - Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars, meaning they cannot be deducted from taxable income [6] Income Limits - Roth IRAs impose income limits for contributions, with eligibility based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) [7][8] - Individuals earning above certain thresholds may be ineligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA, but can make partial contributions if their income falls within specified ranges [9] Backdoor Roth IRA - A backdoor Roth IRA allows individuals exceeding income limits to contribute by first making a nondeductible contribution to a traditional IRA and then converting it to a Roth IRA [13][19] - The IRS pro rata rule applies to conversions, affecting the taxability of the converted amount based on the proportion of pre-tax and after-tax funds in traditional IRAs [16][18] Withdrawal Rules - Roth IRAs allow tax-free withdrawals of contributions at any time, while investment earnings may incur taxes and penalties if withdrawn before age 59½ [20] - There are no required minimum distributions for Roth IRAs, allowing funds to grow tax-free for an extended period [20] Tax Season Incentives - Contributions to Roth IRAs can be made until the tax filing deadline for the previous year, providing flexibility for taxpayers [20]

Core Insights - The adoption of Roth 401(k) options is increasing among employers, with 86% of Vanguard's 401(k) plans offering this feature by the end of 2024, up from 74% four years prior [1] - Despite the growing availability, less than 20% of participants in these plans are choosing to contribute to a Roth 401(k), indicating a significant missed opportunity for many workers [2] Comparison of 401(k) Types - Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce taxable income for the year, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income, with required minimum distributions starting at age 73 or 75 depending on birth year [3][4] - Roth 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars, leading to tax-free withdrawals in retirement and no required minimum distributions, providing retirees with greater income flexibility [4] Expert Recommendations - Financial expert Suze Orman advocates for workers to consider allocating future contributions to a Roth 401(k), even if they have primarily contributed to a traditional 401(k), as this can yield significant tax advantages later [5][6] - A diversified approach with both traditional and Roth 401(k) savings can help manage overall tax burdens in retirement, potentially lowering taxable income and reducing taxes on Social Security benefits and Medicare premiums [6]

Savings Account Features - Child savings accounts often provide tax advantages [1] - Child savings accounts may offer higher Annual Percentage Yield (APY) compared to adult accounts [1] Recommendation - Industry suggests comparing different child savings accounts to find the best APY [1]