Traditional vs. Roth IRAs

Choose the IRA that's right for you: Traditional or Roth

Make sure you fully understand the differences between a Traditional and a Roth IRA before you invest. The big difference between the two account types is when your investments get taxed: With Traditional IRAs, you pay taxes when the money is withdrawn; contributions to Roth IRAs are made with money that has already been taxed.

Learn more about saving for retirement

Putnam offers educational material on an array of retirement savings topics.

• 72(t): Looking for a way to supplement your income (PDF)
• Required minimum distributions and your IRA (PDF)
• Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth (PDF)
• Net unrealized appreciation (NUA) (PDF)
• Developing a “tax-smart” retirement income strategy (PDF)
• Choose a sustainable withdrawal rate in retirement (PDF)