Max Out Your 401(k) And Roth IRA

Is it possible for my wife and me to contribute to Roth IRAs even if we have separate 401(k) plans with our employers?

Is it possible for my wife and me to contribute to Roth IRAs even if we have separate 401(k) plans with our employers? I contribute close to the maximum 401(k) limit while my wife does not. What are the limitations for contributing to an IRA or Roth IRA?

You can contribute to both accounts. In fact, it's a good idea to max out both your 401(k) and Roth IRA if you can afford it. There are limits to the amount of money you can contribute to your 401(K) and Roth IRA every year, but the limits are separate from each other.

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Kimberly Lankford
Contributing Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.