A traditional IRA is a personal savings plan with tax advantages for retirement savings. Contributions may be tax deductible – either in whole or in part. Contributions and earnings are not taxed until distribution.
A Roth IRA is another personal savings plan that differs from a traditional IRA in that contributions are not tax deductible, yet the qualified distributions (including earnings) are potentially tax-free.
These special savings plans insured up to $250,000 by the federal government to help you save for retirement. Anyone who has earned income from employment, for themselves and their non-employed spouse may contribute to an IRA, however, income from sources such as investments or inheritances do not qualify.