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by Suze Orman
This book is a "must read" for everyone, whether you are young or old; have credit card debt or not; own a house or have recently had to let one go; have sizeable savings, 401k's, investments and such or little or none; have a secure job or are now unemployed, and so on.....the reality is that you HAVE TO HAVE A PLAN. This book is going to give you one. If you sit back and try and wait this financial storm out without a rock solid plan or continue to procrastinate even a little longer about making important financial decisions, your financial security is at risk.
If it is hard for you to say NO to yourself or your children, you can make Suze the "bad cop." This is a helpful reference book that will help you assess your current state, and move forward with a plan instead of fear or ignorance.
Either way, only a small number of people seem to change their behavior, unless it becomes absolutely necessary. In 2009, changing behavior is a necessity, as many people don't have don't have a choice now, and won't in the immediate future. For the long-term, we'll have to wait and see.
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Roth IRA -
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A SECRET WAY A NEWBORN BABY CAN OPEN A ROTH IRA!
The Roth is kind of weird until you get used to it in terms of how much you can put in (contribute) each year depending on how much you earn (compensation). Because of this you really have two limits, one dealing with your compensation and the other dealing with your contribution. Let me explain.
The first contribution limit has to do with compensation, in other words you have to be making some money somewhere. As mentioned, you must have some form of compensation to qualify to make a contribution, but there is also an income limit that says whether or not you can put money in; make a contribution. If your adjusted gross income exceeds these limits, you are no longer eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. In 2004, the adjusted gross income limits were:
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•If your tax filing status is "Married Filing Jointly" - $160,000
•If your tax filing status is "Married Filing Separately" (and you live with your spouse) - $100,000
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•If your tax filing status is "Single", "Head of Household" or "Married Filing Separately" (and you did not live with your spouse during the year) - $110,000
Now, here is a little known totally legal secret that is worth your time reading this article. When I taught investment at the University of South Carolina I gave 10% credit of the course grade for the simple act of opening a Roth IRA. I was amazed when a few students would not open one because their parents had told them it was illegal to if they did not have a job. I told them that they were going nowhere fast if they could not think creatively enough to just go mow a lawn somewhere for ten bucks and put it into the account. I made it clear to them that wealthy people become so by taking action nut just thinking about taking action!
The best application of this concept I ever learned was a real estate investor that wanted to open a Roth for his newborn son. The problem of proving that a newborn makes money in a job is a tough one even for my noodle but this fellow came up with a great idea. He took a photo of the baby and put it on the business card with the words; "Help my dad finance my education by buying a home from him…he is the best dad in the whole world!" Then he paid the baby, get this…modeling fees! He put those fees straight into the account and filed a return for the baby with the IRS. I love that story! Talk about creative that is the kind of person that will go far in business. This is also the only newborn I have heard of with a tax free stock portfolio from earnings off his own job! The second Roth IRA contribution limit has to do with how much you can contribute to your account. Below outlines the contribution limits established for the next several years: •2004 - $3,000 ($3,500 if you are age 50 and above) •2005 - $4,000 ($4,500 if you are age 50 and above) •2006 - $4,000 ($5,000 if you are age 50 and above) •2007 - $4,000 ($5,000 if you are age 50 and above) •2008 - $5,000 ($6,000 if you are age 50 and above) If you need more information about Roth IRAs, you should consult a tax professional such as a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Financial Planner. You can also get more information directly if you take a look at IRS publication 590 - Individual Retirement Arrangements. Using a Roth is the very best trading account to use while investing in the stock market.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Scott Brown, Ph.D., the Wallet Doctor, is a successful investor. Dr. Brown holds a Ph.D. in finance. The Wallet Doctor is sought after for investment advice and coaching. For more information visit Dr. Brown's site at www.BonanzaBase.com or sign up for his investment tips at www.WalletDoctor.com
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Index of Articles about Roth IRA
What Other Authors say about Roth IRA
Roth 401k Only Available to a Few
by D Lamaute
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