Are we allowed to own both a Roth and and trad. IRA at the same time?

[Guest jmarvin]

I started to invest in a Roth IRA in 2006 with a maximum of $4000 per year. My question is, am I also allowed to own a traditional IRA in the same year?

I have a 401k at work to which I'm contributing 6% of my pay to get the employee match. I just turned 41 and I feel that time is closing in on me. Any info would be highly appreciated

[Appleby]

You can contribute to both a Roth and a traditional IRA in the same year, providing your aggregate contribution do not exceed $4,000.

[John G]

I detect a whiff of "the lost years" in your comment about "closing in on me".

I recommend you get a copy of The Number by Einsenberg. (the "lost years" is one of his themes about late starts) The book is dry reading and you have to suffer the NYC colored visions of the world, but its a good book for looking at the uncertainties and anxiety over planning for the next phase of your life. It really is less about number crunching (although the author eventually covers some of that) and more about the array of decisions you need to consider. The author covers: life style changes, cost of living, medical uncertainties and how much is enough.

If you max our your 401K for the match and set aside $4K in a Roth, you are off to a reasonable start at building a nest egg. Are you married? Your spouse can also put up to $4K into a Roth based upon your earned income. Each year check to see the new limit - the 4K will move higher even if Congress takes no immediate action on retirement planning issues.

If you still have extra funds that can be invested, try opening a discount brokerage account and putting your cash at work via no load mutual funds.

Post again if you have additional questions.