How to pick the right retirement account

(StatePoint) Whether you’re starting your career, approaching retirement or you’re somewhere in between, it’s important to understand the various options available to help you reach your retirement goals.

Even if you are already investing in a 401(k) or other retirement plan, contributing to an Individual Retirement Account can help you diversify your investments and provide an additional tax-advantaged savings plan, say experts.

“There are some important differences between Roth and Traditional IRAs that all retirement planners should keep in mind,” says Mary Ellen Hancock, a senior wealth strategist with PNC Wealth Management.

Hancock says to consider the following three things, when choosing a retirement account.

Tax rates

Will your taxes be higher now or later? On the face of it, the decision appears to be straightforward, Hancock explains. If you expect your tax rate will be lower when you retire, a traditional account may offer you more spendable income for retirement. If you expect your tax rate will be higher than it is now or the same upon retirement, a Roth account may provide you with more spendable income later. The challenge is that there is no way to know what future tax rates will be, and even if you had a crystal ball, other factors at play should also be considered.

Income and expenses

“Understanding your spending before you retire can help you have a smoother and more successful transition as you begin your next chapter,” says Hancock. “It’s important to assess what income and expenses may be eliminated when you retire and what new expenses may be added.”

Hancock explains that working with a financial adviser can help you estimate your post-retirement budget. However, it’s important to keep in mind that withdrawing from a traditional account to pay for unexpected expenses during retirement can result in unpleasant consequences, such as higher Medicare premiums, more of your Social Security benefits being taxed or raising your tax bracket. On the other hand, qualified withdrawals from Roth accounts are tax-free and should not affect your taxable income or treatment of Medicare and Social Security benefits.

Required minimumdistributions

“Roth options may have some advantages over traditional accounts, as you do not need to start withdrawing at age 70 1/ 2,” says Hancock. “Traditional accounts, both 401(k)s and IRAs, require you to withdraw money once you reach that age, which limits the account’s growth potential.”

For many individuals, using both Roth and traditional accounts may help address some of the uncertainty over your future tax bracket and whether your spending needs may change. There are IRA contribution limits set each year by the Internal Revenue Service, so it’s important to check with the IRS website, your financial planner or tax adviser on how much you can contribute to each.

While no one can plan for every eventuality, understanding your current circumstances and looking ahead can help you make sound investment choices now that can help you reach your retirement goals.