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Planning for Retirement Isn’t About Age
It’s About Vision

Let’s Build the Retirement You’ve Worked So Hard For

You show up every day—for your students, your team, your community. Retirement shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. With an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you’re not just hoping things work out—you’re putting a real plan in place. When we work together, I’ll help you understand exactly how an IRA can grow alongside your 403(b) or 401(k), so your future isn’t left to chance.

  • Tax advantages that can help your savings grow faster

  • Works right alongside your 403(b) or 401(k)

  • Guidance designed for educators and nonprofit professionals

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Which One Fits Your Retirement Goals?

Traditional vs. Roth IRA

Which One Fits Your Retirement Goals?

Both Traditional and Roth IRAs are designed to help you save for retirement with tax advantages — the key difference is when you pay those taxes. Understanding how each works can help you make the right choice for your financial future.

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Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Traditional IRA Roth IRA
Tax treatment Tax-deductible contributions, pay taxes on withdrawals. Pay taxes now, withdraw tax-free later.
Eligibility Anyone with earned income can contribute (deduction may be limited). Income limits apply for contributions.
Required Minimum Distributions RMDs start at age 73. No RMDs during your lifetime.
Early withdrawals May face taxes and 10% penalty. Contributions always tax-free; earnings tax-free if conditions are met.
Best for Lower taxes now. Tax-free income later.

What Is a Traditional IRA?

A Traditional IRA allows you to save for retirement using pre-tax dollars, which can lower your taxable income today. Your money then grows tax-deferred — meaning you don’t pay taxes until you withdraw it in retirement.

Key Features:

  • Contributions may be tax-deductible, depending on your income and whether you’re covered by a workplace retirement plan

  • Earnings grow tax-deferred until you withdraw them

  • Withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income

  • Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) start at age 73

Best for:
Those who want to reduce their taxable income now and expect to be in a lower tax bracket after retirement.

What Is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA uses after-tax dollars, so you pay taxes now and enjoy tax-free withdrawals later — including your investment gains, once certain conditions are met.

Key Features:

  • Contributions are not tax-deductible

  • Withdrawals in retirement are tax-free if you’ve had the account at least five years and meet age or special conditions

  • No RMDs during your lifetime

  • Income limits apply for contributions

Best for:
Those who expect to be in the same or a higher tax bracket later, or who value tax-free income in retirement.

Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between a Traditional and Roth IRA depends on your current tax situation, retirement goals, and future income expectations.

If you’re unsure, many savers split their contributions between both types to balance tax savings now and tax-free income later.

We can help you review your options, estimate potential benefits, and design a plan tailored to your financial goals.

With contribution limits increased for people 50 and over, availability to non-working spouses and the possibility of penalty-free withdrawals for certain non-retirement purposes, Traditional IRAs have been an overwhelmingly popular vehicle to help achieve retirement goals for nearly 30 years.

Contributions made to this account may be tax-deductible, and any individual who has earned income, or whose spouse has earned income, may contribute as long as the IRA account holder has not reached age 70½ by the end of the contribution year.

Advantages to a Traditional IRA include:

  • Contributions may be tax deductible at the time they’re made depending on income.
  • IRA earnings grow tax-deferred.
  • Liberal income limits for contribution deductibility if you or your spouse is not a participant in a qualified plan.
  • Availability to non-working spouses of wage earners.

While a Roth IRA is similar to a traditional IRA in many ways, there are also some significant differences.

Contributions to Roth IRAs are not deductible from current income, but earnings may generally be withdrawn tax-free as long as the account has been in place for at least five years and the distribution takes place after age 59½. Depending upon state law, Roth IRA distributions may be subject to state taxes. There is no minimum distribution requirement and contributions are still allowed after you reach age 70½.

Under certain circumstances you can convert some or all of your holdings in other IRAs to a Roth IRA.

Advantages to a Roth IRA include:

  • There is no age limit to how long you can contribute.
  • There are no required minimum distributions.
  • Distributions may be received income tax-free.

Which IRA do you choose? It all depends upon your preferences.