Roth IRA Investing: A Comprehensive Guide to Tax-Free Retirement Growth

Maximize retirement benefits

How to Invest in a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is one in which your contributions are taxed at your current tax rate, but the dividends that grow from those contributions won't be taxed when you withdraw them after the age of 59 1/2. Investing in a Roth IRA is an excellent way to get the most out of your retirement dollars. Read on to learn how to invest in a Roth IRA.

Step 1

Confirm that you meet the requirements to be eligible for investing in a Roth IRA. If you are single, your modified adjusted gross income has to be less than $110,000 a year; the figure is $165,000 if you are married and filing a joint tax return. You or your spouse must have income or alimony that's at least as much as the contribution you make each year to your Roth IRA.

Step 2

Select a company where you want to establish your Roth IRA. Brokerage firms, mutual fund companies and even your local bank will have Roth IRA products for you to consider. Compare the fee structure of the companies you are considering. There may be fees at startup, yearly maintenance fees, or fees to change your investment or withdraw money.

Step 3

Choose how you would like to invest the money in your Roth IRA. Typically, the younger you are when you begin investing for retirement, the more aggressive you can be in choosing high risk/high return investments. If you are closer to retirement, you'll want to stay in a safer investment to protect your assets. Also take your level of comfort in investing into consideration; some people are willing to take a chance for a high rate of return, others want security.

Step 4

Establish your Roth IRA account. You'll have to fill out some paperwork with the company you've chosen to manage your account. You'll need your social security number, and you'll need to be prepared to designate a beneficiary. Write a check to open the account, being aware that some companies require a minimum investment.