Every year, we make tons of resolutions. We sign up for a gym membership and vow to get healthy, we swear to ourselves we’ll start going to bed on time, and we make promises to become healthier, happier people.  But this year, the best resolutions you can make are the ones that affect your finances. Help nurse your credit score back to health, make your checking account happier, or invest in your future and start down the path of a healthier, happy financial year.

You may not even know what an IRA (individual retirement account) is. That’s okay. We are here to help the confusing become understandable!

USC Credit Union
Tom Tan
CFS* Financial Advisor
213-821-7269
TTan@cusonet.com
CA License No. OD83590

An individual retirement arrangement (IRA) is a personal retirement savings plan that offers specific tax benefits. In fact, IRAs are one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available to you. Even if you're contributing to a 401(k) or other plan at work, you should also consider investing in an IRA.

What types of IRAs are available?

There are two major types of IRAs: traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Both allow you to make annual
contributions of up to $5,500 in 2016 (unchanged from 2015). Generally, you must have at least as
much taxable compensation as the amount of your IRA contribution. But if you are married filing jointly, your spouse can also contribute to an IRA, even if he or she does not have taxable compensation. The law also allows taxpayers age 50 and older to make additional "catch-up" contributions. These folks can put up to $6,500 in their IRAs in 2016 (unchanged from 2015).

Both traditional and Roth IRAs feature tax-sheltered growth of earnings. And both give you a wide range of investment choices. However, there are important differences between these two types of IRAs. You must understand these differences before you can choose the type of IRA that's best for you.

When it comes to retirement savings, you have options to consider. Here is a list of some of those options and information that can help you make the best decision. It’s USC Credit Union’s goal to be your financial partner for life and to empower you to own your future. Let’s get started!

Traditional IRA
An IRA is an Individual Retirement Account. Deposits to a traditional IRA are not taxed and your contributions will grow “tax-deferred,” meaning you will pay taxes on the money when you withdraw it.
• Income limits: Anyone with earned income (younger than 70½) can contribute.

• Tax-deductible? Yes, on both state and federal returns for the year you make the contributions.

• Withdrawals: Qualified distributions can begin at 59½, but the first distribution cannot occur until
five years after the first contribution. Also, contrbutions (but not earnings) can be withdrawn penalty- and tax-free anytime.

• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Begin at age 70½