Traditional IRA
News, insights and expert analysis on traditional ira from the team at Kiplinger.
The traditional IRA is one of the best options in the retirement-savings toolbox. You can open a traditional IRA at a bank or a brokerage, and the universe of investments is wide open to you. But with that freedom comes responsibility. Traditional IRAs have a lot of rules — break one and you could face a penalty. If you'd like to know more about IRAs, start with our beginner's guide: everything you should know about traditional IRAs then work your way through our other features and guides on smart strategies to ensure you can end up with a sizable chunk of change down the road.
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Quiz: Test Your IRA Contribution IQ
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of traditional and Roth contribution rules in our quick quiz.
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6 Changes to IRAs, 401(k)s and HSAs in 2026
Changes to IRAs — Roth and traditional — and 401(k)s may mean more money for you in retirement.
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The Average IRA Balance by Age and Generation
Knowing how the average IRA balance of peers compares to your own could be the nudge you need to save more for retirement — or pat yourself on the back.
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I'm 54 with a $320,000 IRA and will soon be self-employed, earning about $120,000 per year. How much should I be saving for retirement?
We asked financial experts for advice.
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Eight Factors to Consider When Considering a Roth Conversion
Roth conversions, which transform traditional IRAs into Roth IRAs, are a powerful retirement and tax tool. Here are eight facts to get you started.
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Ask the Editor, October 17: QCDs and Tax-Planning
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers more questions about the use of qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) in end-of-year tax planning.
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IRA Conversion to Roth: Rules to Convert an IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA
An IRA conversion can give you a leg-up in retirement with tax-free income. But proceed with caution.
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IRA and SEP Rules at a Glance: Contribution Limits, Income Limits and Rollover Options
Here are IRA contribution limits, income limits and rollover rules for Roth, traditional, SIMPLE and SEP IRAs at a glance.
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Inherited IRA Rules: How to Avoid a Tax Trap
Don't get hit with a big tax bill thanks to an inherited IRA. Learn the rules and save.
