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.
Latest
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5 Year-End Moves to Maximize Your 2025 Retirement Savings
Sponsored by Savant Wealth Management
Retirement planning is about consistency, commitment and making the most of every dollar. Here are five high-impact moves to ensure long-term growth.
By Donna LeValley
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Should You Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth After 60?
retirement You can convert an IRA to a Roth no matter how old you are. But if the conversion boosts your income, it could have tax consequences.
By Kimberly Lankford
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Traditional IRA Basics: 10 Things to Know to Build Wealth
Basics A traditional IRA can be a powerful retirement-savings tool but you need to understand contribution limits, RMDs, rules for beneficiaries under the SECURE Act and more.
By Jackie Stewart
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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.
By Donna LeValley
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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.
By Donna LeValley
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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.
By Adam Shell
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Joy Taylor
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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.
By Joy Taylor
Ask the Editor
