Okay, I'm 41 and want to contribute $2000 per year to brand new (not existing yet) IRA. It's 6/24 99. Can I do this anytime before the end of the year, or what exactly does year mean?

You have until the due date for your 1999 tax return (not including extensions) to contribute to a new Roth for 1999.

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Also, you can contribute $$ for next year on January 1. Note, between Jan 1 and April 15 you could be contributing based upon two different tax years.

Early contributions shift assets from taxable to tax sheltered at an earlier date and boost your IRA performance.

I would recommend the Roth option, but double check your eligibility based upon income. If you are a borderline qualifier, you may be able to take some action to shift bonuses or increase business writeoffs to qualify.